1. Modular and Modularization – WJ Zhang
- Structure
- Architecture (a generic perspective of the structure)
- Module concept
- Modular architecture

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. Module 1 interfaces with module 2

8. 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.

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

11. 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.

12.
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.

13.
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

14. Examples of integral products
Flexure hinge
Rigid element

15. Examples of integral products

16. More generalization

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

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

19. Examples
Cut-to-fit

20. 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

21. 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