GVCS Interface Design Standards

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Introduction

Interface design is a definition of how parts or modules fit together.

The Interface Design must be defined on different levels: product ecology level, product level, and module level. This includes diagrams, drawings, pictures, specifications, animations, or other information architecture that describes how one part or product fits with another. This typically refers to attachement mechanism, connections, and geometries involved. The conditions of satisfaction of a proper interface design is exhaustive specification and full CAD drawing for the attachment point, so the corresponding attachment can be designed.

For the product ecology, one needs to describe how the machine communicates with other machines. For example, power cube relates to any powered machine by providing power, and it is made by the flexible fabrication tools such as ironworker machine and CNC torch table. For communication to other machines, the mechanism by which one tool connects to another needs to be explicit. For example, the Quick Attach plate connects directly to the soil pulverizer through a specific quick attachment mechanism. The complete dimensions and specifications of the attachment mechanism must be defined.

For the module level, the interconnection between the modules must be defined clearly. For example, the way that wheels attach to the tractor must be specified. The same wheel attachment may apply to bulldozer or other machines.

For the component level, one should describe suggested mechanisms by which components fit with one another.

Protocol

1. Create a Google Drawing with diagrams explaining the interface design. This may apply to conceptual interface design.
2. Embed the Drawing in the wiki.
3. For technical interface design, we may use CAD software for a more accurate definition of the interface.