Modular and Modularization – WJ Zhang www.engr.usask.ca\classes\me\886 - Structure - Architecture (a generic perspective of the structure) - Module concept - Modular architecture

Why should they be together as a group? Module and Modular Why should they be together as a group?

Why should they be together as a group? Three aspects or reasons that components (A, B, etc.) should be gathered: - Function - Process (manufacturing, recycling, etc.) - Physic vicinity The above process is called modularization – starting with a group of components and deciding groups

Constraints imposed on modularization Cost Manufacturing culture User and society culture New equipment for manufacturing, R&D on new technology, etc. Manufacturing firms may need to make changes to a new module; high power systems are more difficult to be modularized Users are willing to accept new modular products, their enthusiasms

Decision on modularization is a complex task, which has to consider: Cost Technology User In this lecture, we do not focus on how to make such a decision and how to modularize a product or system

Focus on Interface between modules and what impacts of various types of interfaces to the degree of modularization

Module 1 interfaces with module 2

Degree of modularization: Extendibility Flexibility Re-configurability (assembly, disassembly) Extendibility: capability of being extended by adding modules. Flexibility: capability of assembling with different modules (type, class, instance). Re-configurability: capability of forming different configurations (space occupation) , which make sense to both topology and geometry.

Six types of interfaces – implication of architecture Component swapping Component sharing Fabricate to fit (cut to fit) Slot Bus Sectional

Remark 1: Some literature does not include “slot” interface as a means to achieve modular architecture. However, my opinion, it is yes – i.e., it is a way to make a modular product. Whether it is Yes or Not depends on however the reference product which is totally not modular, integral product. Examples of integral products are seen in the next slide. https://www.techcoil.com/blog/types-of-modular-interface-design/

https://www.techcoil.com/blog/types-of-modular-interface-design/ The Slot Modular Architecture consists of elements with differing interfaces. Each element shares a unique interface with a base element. As such, the elements cannot be swapped around. Examples of Slot Modular Architecture includes: Low cost desktop computer with the Raspberry Pi 3 board as the base element. ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 with Intel Core m3, 12.5-Inch Touchscreen, 64GB storage and 4GB RAM; with ASUS Chromebook as the base elements connecting to different peripherals. The Bus Modular Architecture uses a common bus, or similar concept. Each element connects to the bus or base element through the same type of interface. Examples of Bus Modular Architecture includes: Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Ultra Slim Data Hub as the base element to connect to different USB peripherals. The GPIO ports on the Raspberry Pi Zero W as the base element connecting to different sensors. GE Grounded 6-Outlet Wall Tap as the base element to connect to multiple home appliances.

https://www.techcoil.com/blog/types-of-modular-interface-design/ Sectional Modular Architecture In a Sectional Modular Architecture, there is no common bus or base element which interfaces with other elements. Each element uses a common set of interface to connect with each other. Examples of Sectional Modular Architecture includes: Sectional sofa Piping Systems Lego bricks

Examples of integral products Flexure hinge Rigid element

Examples of integral products

More generalization

Examples Base component is the major one to add value to this product

Examples It is not the base component which adds value but the pictures added on add values

Examples Cut-to-fit

Summary: Modular design lies in design of the system architecture System architecture represents the types of components and types of their connections A module is an independent unit; elements inside the module have very high strength of connection but elements outside the module have connections that are distinct with the six types Design of a modular product is to determine modules and their interfaces. There are only six types of interfaces for modular products

Summary (continued) 5. Following the general architecture of any matter, the six types of interfaces can be called atomic interfaces. Molecular interfaces are compositions of atomic interfaces. A complete modular product may include a mixture of interfaces