Interface & Cartridge Architecture

A Utility Cartridge connects, distributes, regulates, measures, isolates, or adapts one or more building services.

Utility Cartridges may serve:

electrical power;

potable water;

wastewater;

ventilation air;

heating and cooling fluids;

refrigerants;

fire-suppression systems;

gas or fuel systems where permitted;

wired communication;

utility metering.

A Utility Cartridge may contain:

connectors;

manifolds;

valves;

shutoffs;

pressure regulators;

strainers;

meters;

transformers;

converters;

protective devices;

test ports;

leakage containment;

labeling and identification;

local sensors and diagnostics.

Every incoming and outgoing service shall be identified by type, direction, capacity, operating limits, and isolation method.

Cross-connection between incompatible services shall be prevented through physical geometry and configuration control. Labels alone are insufficient where a foreseeable incorrect connection could create a hazard.

The Cartridge shall provide access to isolation and verification points without requiring disturbance of unrelated services. Failure of one branch should not require shutting down an entire building where selective isolation is reasonably achievable.

Utility Cartridges shall manage leakage, condensation, heat, vibration, noise, and fault energy within defined limits. Wet services shall be physically separated from electrical components or provided with a validated containment and protection strategy.

A Utility Cartridge may be passive, such as a simple distribution manifold, or active, containing valves, protection, measurement, and control.

Pipe sizes, connector families, electrical ratings, manifold configurations, and service capacities remain TBD and profile-dependent.