Depth of Modularity

Depth of modularity is the level at which a modular breakdown occurs, in order to promote Technological Time Binding - as facilitated by module based design. This level can be at the level of the system, machine, machine part or module, individual part, or even material that makes upthe part. The key to effective module based design is selecting the most appropriate depth of modularity - as well as defining the specific boundaries or scope of a module (what is included in a module).

The boundaries can be intuitive (such as developing an entire machine or a clearly defined module such as an engine) but a more creative and situational approach to the scope is necessitated for practical reasons. For example, the 3D Printer extruder module could include the wiring harness for the extruder in one case- because the wires are already connected to the extruder - whereas in another case, the wiring harness may be part of an overall wiring harness if the extruder wiring was plugged into the extruder as opposed to already being permanently connected.

The insight here is that modularity has to occur at the correct level of granularity: it may occur anywhere from the smallest piece of a machine - to the machine as a whole, and anywhere in between.

For example, if the Power Cube always works as a monolithic unit, there is no compelling reason to x-y-z bolt the corners so the power cube can be disassembled - though this is useful from the standpoint of radical modularity. One has to strike a balance. In the Power Cube example - it turns out that other modules are not as easy to attach to a Power Cube due to the xyz bolted frame, which introduces serious spatial bolt-together conflicts. Thus, a welded frame - still using the same perforated tubing - works much better in terms of attachability of other modules to the Power Cube. As long as all other components outside the frame can be disassembled, the welded power cube frame can be ok. Thus, from a functional level - a lower level of modularity (no xyz bolted corners, but instead a monolithic frame) - is much better for attaching other modules to the Power Cube.

The appropriate Depth of Modularity must thus be considered based on functional characteristics, and not only on the requirement of that includes frame disassembly.

The significance of the Depth of Modularity is its implication for Technological Time Binding. Technological Time Binding further implies a transformation in humanity's relationship to technology, in that technology becomes appropriate when non-experts are increasingly able to manage its use.