Interface & Cartridge Architecture

Fault Detection identifies conditions in which an interface no longer satisfies its expected state, capability, performance, safety, or compatibility requirements.

Faults may be detected through:

dimensional inspection;

visual inspection;

mechanical indicators;

force, torque, tension, or displacement measurement;

electrical continuity or insulation monitoring;

pressure or leakage testing;

temperature monitoring;

vibration monitoring;

communication diagnostics;

sensor disagreement;

lifecycle limits;

maintenance findings;

AI-supported anomaly detection;

occupant or operator reports.

Fault categories shall include:

identification fault;

compatibility fault;

alignment fault;

engagement fault;

locking fault;

sealing or leakage fault;

overload fault;

excessive deformation;

wear or degradation;

corrosion or contamination;

thermal fault;

electrical fault;

communication fault;

authentication or security fault;

sensor fault;

unauthorized configuration;

overdue inspection or maintenance;

state inconsistency.

Each fault shall have a severity classification, such as:

Advisory: no immediate functional consequence;

Maintenance Required: operation may continue temporarily under defined limits;

Degraded Operation: capability is automatically reduced;

Shutdown Required: normal operation shall stop;

Emergency: immediate protective action is required.

A fault record shall identify the detected condition, detection method, confidence level, affected capability, immediate action, permitted temporary state, inspection requirement, and clearance authority.

AI-generated fault detection shall be identified as inferred evidence. It shall not be presented as a confirmed physical defect without the required validation.

Critical faults shall be latched when automatic disappearance of the initiating signal would otherwise hide an unresolved condition. Returning to service shall require defined clearance evidence.

Fault-detection thresholds and severity mappings remain TBD for individual interface families.