XM Design Rationale

=Introduction=

The Design Rationale is a list of design features that are consistent with OSE Specifications.

The Rationale includes functional mechanisms, layout, geometry - and may include any other information that is critical for specifying how the machine will be converted from concept to real product.

In general, the functioning mechanism should be based on a historically proven industry standard. While innovation may occur, the first step in open sourcing of industry standards should be replication of existing mechanisms, and their adaptation for manufacturability, simplicity, modularity, and lifetime design - to create people-centered design.

First and foremost - the design should be the simplest possible while retaining high performance.


 * Low the number of parts
 * Reduced complexity of fabrication process
 * Least fabrication time requirement
 * Maintenance or transcendence of industry standard performance

Second is modularity.


 * Modularity occurs at the level of components, such that modules can be interchanged between different GVCS tools
 * Modularity occurs at the level of subassemblies, such that functional units (such as interchangeable bearings, shafts, etc. comprise any given module

Third is lifetime design.


 * Modularity and simplicity contribute to the ability of the user to be in full control of and to maintain the machine in question

=Operational Points=

Defining the Design Rationale is a complementary step to defining Performance Specifications. These contribute to the Defnition of Ready for beginning the Design of a given machine. If the process involves a machine component,