Technology Modules

Introduction

Here we define a structural primitives approach to functionality of machines. This is based on a notion that ultimately, sourcing of materials - the material instantiation of artifacts - is important. This is because we focus this work around ubiquitous access to materials, and as such, we consider accessible materials in the design process.

We break down technology by areas and construction sets. We go down in detail here - to submodules. These include materials, basic structures, basis functional units.

The goal here is material abundance and resilience, based on distributed microfactories that have about $100k of startup capital, and are further bootstrapped into further Technological Recursion.

Modules List

Here we list sectors/areas of societal operations.

Sensors

• pH
• T
• Humidity
• Dissolved oxygen
• Oxygen demand
• Oxygen in blood - pulse oximeter
• Capnography - CO2 in breath
• pressure - low - any fluid - breathing range
• Pressure - medium - 50-100 PSI
• Pressure - high - 3000 PSI

Electric Power

Outcomes: electric power generation, electric drive, electricity storage

• Axial flux electric motor. Relies on high-strength magnets.\

Mechanics

Outcomes: metal rollind, rod+wire production, alloying, any metal chemistry. Mechanical drive.

• Ball bearings
• Bushings - plastic or bronze
• Metal shaft - how to produce one from scrap steel with induction furnace.
• Copper wire
• Insulated copper wire - for w
• Gear - split ring planetary
• Gear - planetary
• Gear - herringbone standard
• Heavy geardown - 15,000 in lb force rubberized gears
• Belts - rubber, nylon-belted, steel belted; heater belts with embedded nichrome
• Pulleys
• Linear rail, 3d printed with metal balls
• Linear bushing - 3d printed with metal balls
• Slew bearing
• 3D printed bearing with metal balls

Metallurgy

• Induction heater
• Crucible - steel melting
• Arc furnace crucible
• Hall-Heroult crucible
• Graphite electrodes
• Aluminum from scrap sources

Chemistry

• Salt, water, sand, clay, and charcoal to hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, carbide, graphite, hydrogen, oxygen, silicon, and aluminum.
• Sugar, vinegar, starch to sugar production, bioreactors to lactic acid, polymerized to PLA.

Heavy Equipment

Combines to modules for construction, materials handling, mining, agriculture, earthworks

• Blade
• Scraper
• Backhoe
• 360 degree pivot
• Tracks
• Heavy duty traction wheels

Automotive

• Brakes
• Steering
• Frame

Space and Rockets

Air travel, such as multirotors, airplanes, rockets, telecom.

• Drone software
• Drone controls

Machining

• Air bearings
• Mill Bits
• Grinders - for tool and die
• Steel Hardening - tool steel from millable steel
• Tool Change apparatus
• Lathe Module
• Mill Module
• Drill Module
• Digital readout
• Shaft from bloom

Heavy Metal Working

Relates to machining in the lighter forms

Materials

Outcomes: machinery for materials processing: vessels, pressure vessels, heating systems, pumping systems, blowing systems, ball/roller mills, shredders, cutters, hammermills. Powders and particle grading. Containers, vessels in general - at all pressures for all materials.

Penumatics

Combines with Safety for air purification, and clean-rooms for semiconductors

Electrolysis and Arc Furnce

Outcomes: hydrogen, calcium carbide, iron from ore, aluminum from clay.

Ceramics

Outcomes: fillers, pottery, 3D printable. Overlap with printing.

• Clay powder production - fillers, 3D printing
• Continuous clay feed from dry powder (3D printing)

Plastics and Process Engieneering

• PLA production bioreactor
• lactic acid production for Sweet Potato PLA - [1]
• thermoplastic elastomer blends (thermoplastic + thermoset or thermoplastic rubber)

Heat

Outcomes: heaters, furnaces, ovens. Part of Materials - heat systems.

• Aluminum melting heater
• High temperature build chamber
• Pottery kiln
• Refractory materials - from gypsum, cement
• Rotary lime kiln for cement production

Safety Gear

Outcomes: eye, head, skin, breath, sound protection, force protection, cut protection. Includes respiration

1. Mouth/nose faceplate
2. Face mask
3. Various options of view window: clear, dark, color-selective, welding, impact resistance
4. Eyeglass modules
5. Filter module - for face mask, PAPR, air filter in general
6. Blower
7. helmet - breather
8. Helmet - protective
9. Hardhat
10. Head-fitting rotary-adjustable buckle
11. Pneumatics modules - solenoids, pressure gauges, tubing

Links

1. Open Source Technology Pattern Language
2. Modules
3. Technology Map