Diseño y construcción de un sistema semiautomático basado en actuadores lineales y servomotores para la alineación de cajas en un proceso de distribución

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to design and build a semi-automated system using linear actuators and servomotors to improve box alignment in an industrial distribution process. This project was born in response to the operational challenges faced by many logistics lines, where manual handling or poorly automated systems generate positioning errors, product accumulation, downtime, physical overload for operators, and low overall process efficiency. To address this problem, a mechatronic solution was created that combines linear actuators, servomotors, a programmable logic controller (PLC), and a human machine interface (HMI). The components were selected through a comparative analysis using the QFD methodology, considering criteria such as cost, performance, compatibility, and ease of integration. The system structure was designed with A36 steel, ensuring strength, stability, and ease of assembly. The design includes an alignment module with two linear actuators that guide the position of the boxes, and servomotors that ensure precise movement. The PLC controls the automatic cycle, while the HMI allows parameter configuration and system monitoring. Structural simulations and experimental tests were performed to confirm the mechanical strength and operation of the system under real-world operating conditions. The results show that the system improves the efficiency of the distribution process, reduces alignment errors, optimizes operating times, and decreases the need for human intervention. Furthermore, the economic analysis indicates that this is a practical and replicable solution in other industrial applications, encouraging the adoption of automation technologies in small and medium-sized manufacturing companies.