Open interface design for product personalization

Open interfaces can improve the product personalization using product functional modules developed by third party vendors. They also support the product update through the module upgrading or replacement during the product lifespan. Characteristics of open interfaces are firstly investigated by the comparison with traditional mechanical interfaces. Methods are then introduced for the design, evaluation and operation of open interfaces. An open interface of the electric vehicle is proposed for the connection of different battery packs to verify the feasibility of proposed methods. Novelty of the research is the improved open interface for personalized products.