1. Basic Perspective for Classifying Function Modules
A function module is a physical design unit composed of multiple parts, mechanical elements, power transmission elements, control elements, and interfaces that work together to perform a specific function within a machine.
When classifying function modules, it is more appropriate to focus on what role the module performs inside the machine, rather than simply asking which parts are grouped together.
Even the same assembly can be classified differently depending on its role.
For example, function modules may include:
Modules that move materials
Modules that perform direct processing or work on materials or products
Tool or working-end modules that make actual contact with the product
Modules that generate power
Modules that transmit power
Modules that determine position or hold objects in place
Modules that support loads
Modules that protect operators
Modules that secure hygiene and cleanability
Modules that make inspection and replacement easier
Modules that handle sensing and control
Modules that provide auxiliary functions such as pneumatics, hydraulics, cooling, lubrication, or power supply
This classification can be applied to general mechanical design.
Food machinery is also a field within general mechanical design, so it can be included within this classification.
However, in food machinery, requirements such as hygiene, cleanability, drainability, and contamination prevention have a much stronger influence than in many general industrial machines. Therefore, when dealing with food machinery, it is reasonable to include a hygiene and cleanability module as an independent module type.
2. Main Types of Function Modules
No. | Function Module Type | Core Role | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Material Handling Module | Feeding, conveying, aligning, and discharging raw materials or products | Feeding unit, conveying unit, discharge unit |
2 | Processing / Working Module | Performs direct work on raw materials or products | Cutting unit, mixing unit, forming unit, pressing unit |
3 | Tool / Working-End Module | Makes direct contact with the product and performs the actual working action | Blade, die, nozzle, head |
4 | Drive Module | Generates power to operate the machine | Motor, reducer, actuator |
5 | Power Transmission Module | Transmits generated power to the working section | Shaft, gear, belt, chain, coupling |
6 | Motion / Positioning Module | Determines motion direction, travel path, and stop position | Guide, stopper, indexing device |
7 | Fixing / Clamping Module | Holds an object or maintains its position during operation | Clamp, jig, chuck, locking device |
8 | Structural Support Module | Supports load and maintains machine stiffness | Frame, base, bracket, support |
9 | Safety / Protection Module | Protects operators and prevents access to hazards | Safety cover, interlock, emergency stop |
10 | Hygiene / Cleanability Module | Secures cleaning, drainage, contamination prevention, and hygiene | Cleaning device, drainage structure, tool-less disassembly structure |
11 | Maintenance / Service Module | Makes inspection, replacement, adjustment, and repair easier | Inspection window, replaceable unit, adjustment device |
12 | Control / Sensing Module | Detects machine status, controls operation, and processes feedback | Sensor, control panel, operator interface |
13 | Utility Module | Supplies auxiliary energy and operating media | Pneumatics, hydraulics, cooling, lubrication, power supply |
3. Detailed Explanation by Module Type
3.1 Material Handling Module
A material handling module is responsible for moving, aligning, feeding, and discharging raw materials, semi-finished products, or finished products inside a machine.
This module does not usually change the shape or physical properties of the material.
Instead, it manages the flow and position of materials.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Feeding Module | Supplies raw materials into the machine |
Infeed Module | Draws material into the working area |
Conveying Module | Moves raw materials or products in a specific direction |
Transfer Module | Moves items from one working position to the next |
Orientation Module | Aligns product direction or posture |
Discharge Module | Discharges finished products from the machine |
Outfeed Module | Connects discharged products to the next machine or process |
Main Design Review Points
Feeding direction
Conveying speed
Possibility of product damage
Clogging or jamming
Stability of alignment
Connection with the next module
Operator accessibility
Cleanability or maintainability
3.2 Processing / Working Module
A processing or working module directly acts on raw materials or products to change their shape, size, state, physical properties, or arrangement.
Most of the core value that a machine provides to the customer is created in this module.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Cutting Module | Cuts raw material into a defined size or shape |
Grinding Module | Breaks material into smaller particles |
Mixing Module | Mixes multiple materials uniformly |
Forming Module | Forms material into a specific shape |
Pressing Module | Compresses material or removes moisture |
Filling Module | Fills content into a container or cavity |
Sealing Module | Seals packaging material or joints |
Heating Module | Applies heat to change the material state |
Cooling Module | Lowers temperature to stabilize the material state |
Main Design Review Points
Work quality
Processing speed
Repeatability
Load and stiffness
Vibration and noise
Operation stability
Wear and service life
Safety
Cleanability
Maintainability
3.3 Tool / Working-End Module
A tool or working-end module is the part of the machine that physically contacts the raw material or product and performs the actual work.
If a processing module represents the entire working function, the tool or working-end module is the core contact section inside that function.
For example, if a cutting module represents the entire cutting function, the blade or cutting head is the tool / working-end module within it.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Blade Module | Performs the actual cutting action |
Cutting Head | Main section where cutting action occurs |
Punch and Die Unit | Performs punching, bending, or forming |
Nozzle Module | Sprays or dispenses liquid, gas, or material |
Forming Tool | Determines product shape |
Sealing Jaw | Presses or heat-seals packaging material |
Grinding Head | Crushes or grinds raw material |
Main Design Review Points
Tool geometry
Wear and service life
Replaceability
Positional repeatability
Work quality
Contact load
Material and surface treatment
Cleaning and cleanability
Operator safety
3.4 Drive Module
A drive module generates the power required to operate a machine.
It usually includes motors, reducers, cylinders, and actuators.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Motor Drive Module | Generates rotary power |
Servo Drive Module | Controls precise position or speed |
Pneumatic Actuation Module | Uses compressed air for linear or rotary motion |
Hydraulic Actuation Module | Uses hydraulic pressure for high-load motion |
Linear Actuator Module | Produces linear motion |
Reducer Unit | Reduces speed and increases torque |
Main Design Review Points
Required torque
Required speed
Acceleration and deceleration conditions
Overload response
Heat generation
Vibration and noise
Installation space
Maintainability
Water resistance, dust resistance, and washdown environment compatibility
3.5 Power Transmission Module
A power transmission module transmits power generated by the drive module to the actual working section.
If the drive module generates power, the power transmission module delivers that power to the required position and direction.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Shaft Module | Transmits and supports rotational power |
Gear Module | Changes rotation direction, speed, or torque |
Belt Drive Module | Transmits power using a belt |
Chain Drive Module | Transmits high torque using a chain |
Coupling Module | Connects one shaft to another |
Pulley Module | Provides rotational elements for belt drive |
Bearing Support Unit | Supports shafts and stabilizes rotation |
Main Design Review Points
Transmitted torque
Rotational speed
Shaft alignment
Belt or chain tension
Gear backlash
Bearing life
Lubrication
Protective covers
Maintenance accessibility
Contamination prevention requirements
3.6 Motion / Positioning Module
A motion or positioning module determines the direction of motion, travel path, stop position, and repeated positioning accuracy of the machine.
This module directly affects product quality, repeatability, and operation stability.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Linear Motion Module | Produces linear movement |
Rotary Motion Module | Produces rotary movement |
Positioning Module | Stops accurately at a defined position |
Guide Module | Guides the direction of movement |
Stopper Module | Limits the stopping position |
Indexing Module | Changes position by fixed angles or intervals |
Adjustment Module | Adjusts position, gap, or alignment |
Main Design Review Points
Positional repeatability
Straightness or rotational accuracy
Clearance
Friction
Stopper position
Adjustment range
Integration with sensors
Possibility of position loss during operation
3.7 Fixing / Clamping Module
A fixing or clamping module holds a workpiece, product, or machine component in a defined position and prevents movement during operation.
This module has a major influence on work quality, safety, and repeatability.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Clamp Module | Presses and holds an object |
Fixing Module | Maintains a part or product in position |
Jig Module | Provides a reference position for work |
Chuck Module | Holds round or specially shaped objects |
Tension Adjustment Module | Maintains belt, chain, film, or web tension |
Locking Module | Prevents covers, doors, or parts from coming loose |
Main Design Review Points
Clamping force
Positional repeatability
Prevention of movement during operation
Clamp release method
Operator usability
Wear
Cleaning and maintenance
Safety
3.8 Structural Support Module
A structural support module supports loads and maintains the reference position and stiffness of the entire machine.
Frames, bases, brackets, and supports are included in this category.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Frame Module | Forms the basic structure of the machine |
Base Module | Supports the lower part of the equipment |
Support Module | Supports a specific part or shaft |
Mounting Module | Fixes motors, sensors, covers, and other elements |
Bracket Module | Connects and supports components |
Bearing Support Module | Maintains the position of bearings and shafts |
Main Design Review Points
Strength
Stiffness
Vibration
Load path
Reference surfaces
Assembly references
Welding deformation
Manufacturability
Transportation and installation
Maintenance accessibility
3.9 Safety / Protection Module
A safety or protection module protects operators from hazardous areas and controls dangerous machine movement.
A safety module is not merely a cover.
It is a function module connected to machine structure, operator movement, sensors, and the control system.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Protective Cover Module | Prevents access to hazardous areas |
Safety Cover Module | Protects operators from rotating, cutting, or driving sections |
Interlock Module | Stops machine operation when a cover is opened |
Emergency Stop Module | Stops the entire machine in an emergency |
Access Restriction Module | Controls access to a specific area |
Safety Fence Module | Separates the hazardous area from the operator path |
Main Design Review Points
Prevention of access to hazardous areas
Cover opening and closing method
Interlock operating conditions
Emergency stop circuit
Operator movement path
Maintenance accessibility
Safety conditions during cleaning or inspection
Compliance with relevant safety standards
3.10 Hygiene / Cleanability Module
A hygiene or cleanability module prevents contamination, makes cleaning easier, and prevents water or residue from accumulating.
This category is especially important in food machinery, pharmaceutical machinery, cosmetics manufacturing equipment, and medical-related equipment.
However, hygiene and cleanability may exist in two ways:
As an independent module
As a design requirement applied across other modules
For example, hygiene and cleanability requirements may apply to cutting modules, conveying modules, frame modules, cover modules, and drive-area design.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Cleaning Module | Supplies cleaning water, sprays fluid, or performs cleaning action |
Washdown-Compatible Module | Protects components and electrical parts in washdown environments |
Drainage Module | Allows water to drain without accumulation |
Internal Cleaning Module | Cleans internal areas without disassembly |
Hygienic Cover Module | Reduces residue accumulation and improves cleanability |
Tool-less Disassembly Unit | Allows quick disassembly without tools |
Cleaning Access Module | Allows the operator to access cleaning areas easily |
Main Design Review Points
Cleaning accessibility
Prevention of residue accumulation
Natural drainage
Minimization of gaps and crevices
Smoothness of food-contact surfaces
Tool-less disassembly
Fastener location
Separation of lubrication areas from food-contact areas
Prevention of cleaning water entering electrical parts
Contamination prevention
Important Note
A hygiene module is very important in food machinery, but it does not always exist as an independent device.
If there is a separate device such as a cleaning nozzle, drainage tray, or internal cleaning line, it can be considered a cleaning module.
On the other hand, eliminating gaps in a cutting unit, applying sloped surfaces to covers, placing fasteners outside the food-contact zone, or using a tool-less disassembly structure may be more accurately understood as hygienic design requirements or cleanability requirements, rather than independent modules.
Therefore, hygiene and cleanability should be considered from two perspectives.
Classification | Description |
|---|---|
Independent Module | A separate device that performs a cleaning or drainage function, such as a cleaning nozzle, drainage unit, or cleaning line |
Design Requirement | Hygiene and cleanability conditions commonly applied to cutting units, conveying units, covers, frames, and other modules |
3.11 Maintenance / Service Module
A maintenance or service module makes inspection, disassembly, replacement, adjustment, and repair easier.
A machine should not only operate well.
It should also be easy to inspect, replace, and reassemble accurately in the field.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Maintenance Module | Makes inspection and repair easier |
Service Access Module | Allows access to internal components |
Replaceable Unit | Allows consumable or worn parts to be replaced easily |
Inspection Door | Allows internal conditions to be checked |
Inspection Window | Allows condition monitoring without opening the machine |
Adjustment Unit | Adjusts position, tension, clearance, or gap |
Quick Release Unit | Allows parts to be removed quickly |
Main Design Review Points
Accessibility
Disassembly sequence
Replacement time
Tool requirements
Reassembly repeatability
Prevention of operator mistakes
Replacement interval of consumable parts
Inspection possibility
Ease of identifying failure points
3.12 Control / Sensing Module
A control or sensing module detects machine status, controls machine operation, and verifies operating and safety conditions.
In modern machinery, control and sensing are not completely separate from mechanical structure.
They are closely connected to each function module.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Control Module | Controls machine sequence and operating conditions |
Sensing Module | Detects position, pressure, speed, presence, and other conditions |
Feedback Module | Sends actual operating status back to the controller |
User Interface Module | Allows operators to control the machine and check status |
Encoder Module | Detects rotation, position, or speed |
Safety Sensor Module | Detects hazardous conditions or access status |
Main Design Review Points
Sensor position
Detection target
Repeatability of detection
Wiring path
Noise resistance
Control signals
Feedback accuracy
Operator usability
Integration with safety circuits
Water resistance, dust resistance, and washdown environment compatibility
3.13 Utility Module
A utility module does not directly perform the main function of the machine, but provides auxiliary functions required for stable machine operation.
Typical Submodules
Submodule | Role |
|---|---|
Pneumatic Module | Supplies and controls compressed air |
Hydraulic Module | Supplies and controls hydraulic power |
Cooling Module | Controls the temperature of heat-generating sections |
Lubrication Module | Supplies lubricant to friction areas |
Power Supply Module | Supplies electrical energy |
Vacuum Module | Provides vacuum for suction, transfer, or deaeration |
Main Design Review Points
Supply pressure
Flow rate
Temperature
Power capacity
Piping route
Wiring route
Possibility of leakage
Maintainability
Safety
Interference with surrounding modules
4. Application Perspective in Food Machinery
Food machinery is not a separate field isolated from general mechanical design.
Food machinery is based on the same principles of structure, drive, power transmission, positioning, safety, control, and maintenance found in general mechanical design.
However, food machinery adds stronger requirements related to:
Hygiene
Cleanability
Drainability
Contamination prevention
Food-contact surface management
In food machinery, the following requirements are especially important.
Design Requirement | Main Application Area |
|---|---|
Hygienic Design | Food-contact parts, covers, frames, fasteners |
Cleanability | Cutting units, conveying units, covers, internal spaces |
Drainability | Frames, bases, tanks, covers |
Washdown Compatibility | Motors, sensors, electrical parts, bearing areas |
Contamination Prevention | Lubrication areas, bearings, fasteners, gaps |
Tool-less Disassembly | Blades, covers, guides, contact parts |
Food-Contact Surface Management | Blades, tanks, conveying parts, nozzles, hoppers |
Therefore, in food machinery, it is reasonable to include a hygiene / cleanability module as an independent function module type.
At the same time, hygiene and cleanability should not be seen as requirements applied only to one specific module.
They should also be understood as design requirements commonly applied to cutting modules, conveying modules, cover modules, frame modules, and drive-area design.
5. Final Summary
A function module is a physical design unit that performs a specific function inside a machine.
When classifying function modules, it is more accurate to divide them according to their engineering role within the machine, rather than grouping them only into broad categories such as function, safety, or hygiene.
Function modules can be classified as follows.
No. | Function Module Type | Core Role |
|---|---|---|
1 | Material Handling Module | Feeding, conveying, aligning, and discharging raw materials or products |
2 | Processing / Working Module | Performs direct work on raw materials or products |
3 | Tool / Working-End Module | Performs work through direct contact with the product |
4 | Drive Module | Generates power |
5 | Power Transmission Module | Transmits power to the working section |
6 | Motion / Positioning Module | Determines motion direction, travel path, and stop position |
7 | Fixing / Clamping Module | Holds objects and maintains position |
8 | Structural Support Module | Supports load and secures stiffness |
9 | Safety / Protection Module | Protects operators and prevents access to hazards |
10 | Hygiene / Cleanability Module | Secures cleaning, drainage, contamination prevention, and hygiene |
11 | Maintenance / Service Module | Secures ease of inspection, replacement, adjustment, and repair |
12 | Control / Sensing Module | Detects status, controls operation, and processes feedback |
13 | Utility Module | Provides auxiliary functions such as pneumatics, hydraulics, cooling, lubrication, and power supply |
Using this classification, function modules can be explained not merely as assembly units, but as structured design units defined by their role and review criteria within a machine.
When function modules are clearly classified, it becomes easier to understand product structure, identify the impact range of design changes, plan maintenance, review safety, evaluate hygiene, and examine cost more systematically.