This document discusses types of product modularity, including function-based and manufacturing-based modularity. It describes four types of function-based modularity: slot, bus, sectional, and mix modularity. It also outlines four classes of manufacturing-based modularity: OEM modules, assembly modules, sizable modules, and conceptual modules. The document provides examples to illustrate each type and class of product modularity.

1. BITS Pilani
Pilani|Dubai|Goa|Hyderabad
L4-2-2-Types of
Modularity of Prod Archi
Dr. Srinivasa Prakash Regalla, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering

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The scope of the discussion
is…
 Product Architectures - Introduction
 Architecture types
 Integral
 Modular
 Architecture Examples
 Product Modularity - Background
 Types of modularity
 Function based modularity
 Manufacturing based modularity
 Modular Design: Basic Clustering Method
 Modular Design: Advanced Functional Method
 Architecture Based Development Teams
 A method of forming module-based development teams
 Application of module-based development teams

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Two macro types of modularity:
 Function based modularity
– Applied to partition of functionalities of a product and
how these functions are distributed
 Manufacturing based modularity
– Relates more to the manufacturing techniques and
assembly operations associate with a product
Types of Modularity

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 Four classifications exist:
– Slot modularity
– Bus modularity
– Sectional modularity
– Mix modularity
Function-based Modularity

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 One basic device uses several different components to allow
it to perform multiples tasks
 Often provides the means to support customizable portfolio
architecture: the same module is used across different
products in a portfolio
Slot Modularity
 Examples of slot
modularity is Bosch
power tools

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 Describes a device mostly the main component of the
system, that is equipped with a standard interface that
accepts any combination of different functioning modules
 Examples are memory expansion slots in the computer
Bus Modularity

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 Exhibited by a chained inter-connection of modules
(called as sections), each equipped with a an identical
interface
 Office furniture is an example
 The modules can each individually accomplish different
product sub-functions
 Their recombination on the chain interface permits
different system (product) functions
 No one main module that can be called a device; rather
collection of modules is the product
Sectional Modularity

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 Combines several standard components together through
web of modules, not through chain
 Must be equipped with at least two complimentary
interfaces to create a new device
 Building blocks set is an example
Mix Modularity

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11. BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

12. BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

13. BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
 Four classes exist
 They group subassemblies based on manufacturing
techniques and assembly operations
 Four classes are:
 OEM modules
 Assembly modules
 Sizable modules
 Conceptual modules
Manufacturing Based
Modularity

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 Modules that an OEM can supply at less expense that could
be developed in-house
 Examples are power supplies for computers
OEM Modules
Finger print scanner

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 Group of components that solve related functions but are
bundled to increase assembly ease
 Examples of such modularization are:
Heating sub-system for pools and bathtubs
Heating sub-system for bathtubs
Assembly Modules

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Example forAssembly Modules
Part 16: Control Module with Ignitor

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 Components that are exactly the same except for their
physical scale
 Examples are lawn-mower blades for different sized (power
rating) lawn mowers or for different levels of mowing
Sizable Modules

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 Solve the same function but have different physical
embodiment
Conceptual Modules