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

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

3. - Function - Process (manufacturing, recycling, etc.) - Physic vicinity Three aspects or reasons that components (A, B, etc.) should be gathered: 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: 1.Cost 2.Technology 3.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 interfaces to degree of modularization

7. Interfaces Module 1 interfaces with module 2

8. Degree of modularization: 1.Exchangeability 2.Extendibility 3.Replacement ability 4.Configurability 5.Resilience

9. Six types of interfaces – implication of architecture 1.Component swapping 2.Component sharing 3.Fabricate to fit (cut to fit) 4.Slot 5.Bus 6.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. Examples of integral products Flexure hingeRigid element

13. Examples of integral products

14. More generalization

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

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

17. Examples Cut-to-fit

18. Summary: 1.Modular design lies in design of the system architecture 2.System architecture represents the types of components and types of their connections 3.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 4.Design of a modular product is to determine modules and their interfaces. There are only six types of interfaces for modular products

19. 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