Configuration technology for appliances with replaceable components

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a workstation and a technology for automatically configuring the workstation. The workstation can be used to perform various tasks, including but not limited to drug delivery, collection of medical records, patient care, manufacturing operations, etc. The user can configure the workstation according to the tasks performed using the workstation. Various sensors (e.g., Hall effect sensors, optical sensors, etc.) can be connected to the workstation, and sensor operators (e.g., magnets, color coding strips, etc.) can be connected to the module. By aligning the sensor operator with the sensor when the module is connected to the workstation, the workstation controller can automatically detect the configuration of the module (e.g., size, shape, position, etc.). The controller of the workstation can then adapt to perform certain tasks (e.g., lock / unlock drawers, etc.) according to the detected module configuration.

Description

[0001] Priority claim

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 914,216 to Ergun et al., entitled “CONFIGURATION TECHNIQUES FORAN APPLIANCE WITH CHANGEABLE COMPONENTS,” filed on October 11, 2019 (Attorney Docket No. 5983.449PRV), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This document relates generally, but not exclusively, to modular construction and operation of appliances. Background Art

[0004] An appliance may be freestanding (e.g., a cabinet supported by the floor or table), attached to a structure (e.g., a cabinet attached to a wall), or mobile (e.g., a workstation attached to a wheeled base). An appliance may be used to complete one or more tasks (e.g., medication delivery, electronic medical record collection, patient care, manufacturing operations, etc.). Various external components (e.g., drawers, bins, batteries, scanners, wipe containers, computers, etc.) may be attached to the appliance depending on the tasks they will perform. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The following drawings are illustrations of specific non-limiting example configurations of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the present invention. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Example configurations of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the attached drawings. The drawings generally illustrate the various configurations discussed in this document by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0006] Figure 1A A perspective view of a cabinet with replaceable drawers according to an example configuration of the present subject matter is shown.

[0007] Figure 1B A side view of a mobile workstation configured according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1B Rear cutaway view of the mobile workstation.

[0009] Figure 3 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1B A side cutaway view of a computer storage compartment of a mobile workstation.

[0010] Figure 4 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1BThe central control unit of the mobile workstation.

[0011] Figure 5 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a subassembly of a mobile workstation.

[0012] Figure 6 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 Bottom perspective view of a subassembly of .

[0013] Figure 7 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 A top view of a subassembly of .

[0014] Figure 8 A top view of a cable storage box according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Fig. 9 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 A perspective view of a cable storage box.

[0016] Fig.10 An exploded view of a mobile stand and a cable storage box according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Fig.11 A top view of a subassembly of a cable storage box and support structure according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Fig.12 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Fig.11 A cutaway perspective view of a subassembly of a cable storage box and a support structure.

[0019] Fig.13A A top view of a cable storage box according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Fig. 13B A top view of a drawer housing according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Fig.14 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Fig.13A Cable storage box and Fig. 13B The connection between the drawer shells.

[0022] Fig.15 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Fig.13A Cable storage box and Fig. 13B A close-up view of the connections between the drawer housings.

[0023] Fig.16AA perspective view of a drawer housing according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Fig. 16B A bottom perspective view of a drawer housing according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Fig.17 A top view of a drawer housing according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Fig.18 A cross-sectional view showing a coupling between a drawer housing and a computer storage compartment according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.19 Two drawer housings are shown coupled in a stacked configuration according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 20A An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Fig.19 A cross-sectional view of the connection between two drawer shells.

[0029] Fig. 20B A cross-sectional view of a connection assembly of a drawer housing according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Fig.21 A drawer housing having four single compartment drawers is shown in accordance with an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 22 A drawer housing having a single compartment drawer is shown in accordance with an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig.23 A close-up view of a drawer lock assembly configured according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Fig.24 A perspective view of a solenoid mounting assembly is shown according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig.25 A perspective view of a latch configured according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Fig.26 A front perspective view of a single compartment drawer is shown according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 27 A cross-sectional view showing a coupling between a latch and a solenoid according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig.28 A perspective view of a drawer lock assembly according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Fig.29 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Fig.28 A close-up partial perspective view of a drawer lock assembly.

[0039] Fig.30 A perspective view of a drawer lock assembly according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Fig.31 A perspective view of a drawer lock assembly according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Fig.32 A perspective view of a latch and drawer controller according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Fig.33 A perspective view of a manual release bracket and drawer controller is shown according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.34 An example configuration according to the present disclosure is shown. Fig.33 A partial perspective view of a manual release bracket.

[0044] Fig.35 A partial perspective view of a manual release bracket according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Fig.36 A perspective view of a four-compartment drawer inserted into a drawer housing is shown according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.37 A perspective view of a dual compartment drawer inserted into a drawer housing is shown according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig.38 Two drawer housings are shown coupled in a stacked configuration according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig.39 Two drawer housings are shown coupled in a stacked configuration according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig.40 Two drawer housings are shown coupled in a stacked configuration according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.41 Two drawer housings are shown coupled in a stacked configuration according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.42 A block diagram representation of a dynamic addressing method according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Fig.43AA block diagram of a single compartment drawer with magnets is shown, according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0053] Fig.43B A block diagram of a dual compartment drawer with magnets is shown, according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig.43C A block diagram of a dual compartment / tall drawer with magnets is shown, according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0055] Fig.43D A block diagram of a four-compartment drawer with magnets is shown, according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0056] Fig.43E Illustrated is a block diagram of a four compartment / tall drawer with magnets according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0057] Fig.44A A block diagram representing the overlap between a drawer controller and four single compartment drawers according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0058] Fig.44B A block diagram representing the overlap between a drawer controller and two single compartment and one double compartment drawer according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] Fig.44C A block diagram representing the overlap between a drawer controller and two single compartment and one double compartment drawer according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0060] Fig.44D A block diagram representing the overlap between a drawer controller and two single compartment and one double compartment drawer according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0061] Fig.44E A block diagram representing the overlap between a drawer controller and two dual compartment drawers according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0062] Fig.44F A block diagram showing the overlap between a drawer controller and a four-compartment drawer according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0063] Figure 44G A block diagram representing the overlap between a drawer controller and two double compartment / tall drawers according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0064] Figure 44H A block diagram showing the overlap between a drawer controller and a four compartment / tall drawer according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown.

[0065] Fig.45AShown is a top view of a drawer controller and four single compartment drawers and the alignment between sensors and magnets according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0066] Fig.45B A top view of a drawer controller and two dual compartment drawers and the alignment between sensors and magnets is shown according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0067] Fig.45C A top view of a drawer controller and a four compartment drawer and the alignment between sensors and magnets is shown according to an example configuration of the present disclosure.

[0068] Fig.46 A block diagram of a drawer detection system according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown. Summary of the invention

[0069] The present disclosure relates to a method for the configuration of an apparatus and an automatic detection apparatus. The apparatus can be in various shapes and forms, including but not limited to workstations, furniture, cabinets, computing carts, charging stations, etc. The apparatus can be used to perform various tasks, including but not limited to drug delivery, electronic medical record collection, patient care, manufacturing operations, etc. The apparatus can be configured and reconfigured by adding or removing components according to the tasks to be performed by the apparatus. These replaceable components (e.g., modules) can include but are not limited to drawers, cabinets, file racks, batteries, computers, etc. Various sensors (e.g., optical sensors, Hall effect sensors, potentiometers, accelerometers, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, IR sensors, motion detectors, force sensors, contact sensors, current sensors, etc.) can be coupled to the apparatus, and matching sensor operators (e.g., magnets, color coding strips, etc.) can be coupled to the modules. The sensor operator can be uniquely arranged to represent various types and configurations of the module (e.g., different sizes and positions of drawers, etc.). By aligning the sensor operator with the sensor when the module is connected to the apparatus, the controller of the apparatus can automatically detect the types, configurations, and positions of various modules. The appliance's controller can then adapt to perform certain tasks (e.g., locking / unlocking drawers of different sizes and shapes, etc.) based on the detected module configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The following detailed description is illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present invention in any way. On the contrary, the following description provides some practical instructions for implementing various configurations of the present invention. For selected elements, embodiments of structure, material, size and manufacturing process are provided, and all other elements are known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the embodiments mentioned have various suitable alternatives.

[0071] The present disclosure describes the construction of the appliances (eg, cabinet 40 , mobile workstation 100 , etc.) of FIGS. 1-12 according to some example configurations of the present disclosure.

[0072] Equipment (e.g. Figure 1A Cabinet 40, Figure 1B The workstation 100, etc.) may include one or more modules (e.g., Figure 1A Drawer housing 60, or Figure 1B The present disclosure describes the construction and connection of one or more drawer housings 160 to the workstation 100 of FIGS. 13-20 according to some example configurations of the present disclosure.

[0073] One or more drawers may be housed within one or more drawer housings 160 . Figure 36-41 Various drawer configurations are described.

[0074] Fig.42 The operation and control of drawers according to a dynamic addressing method is described.

[0075] The drawer housing may also include a lock assembly 220. The present disclosure describes Figure 22-31 The construction and operation of the lock assembly 220 in FIG.

[0076] The present disclosure also describes automatically determining Figure 32-35 and various techniques for configuring the drawers (e.g., size, location, etc.) in Figures 43-45.

[0077] Figure 1A A perspective view of a cabinet 40 is shown. The cabinet 40 may include a frame 41. An upper surface 50 and a lower surface 52 opposite the upper surface 50 may be connected to the frame 41. The cabinet 40 may also include a left side wall 54, a right side wall 55, and a rear wall 56. A left door 46 and a right door 48 may be built into the front side 42 of the cabinet. The upper surface 50, the lower surface 52, the left side wall 54, the right side wall 55, the rear wall 56, and the left door 46 and the right door 48 may form an enclosure structure of the cabinet 40. The left door 46 and the right door 48 may be in an open configuration or a closed configuration. In the example shown in FIG. Figure 1A In the open configuration of the left door 46 and the right door 48 shown, various modules (e.g., drawer housing 60, etc.) can be inserted into the enclosure of the cabinet 40. In the closed configuration (not shown), the modules can be securely contained in the enclosure of the cabinet 40. In some example configurations, the lock ( Figure 1A 46 and right door 48 to prevent them from opening. In some example configurations, one or more drawers (e.g., small drawers 65, large drawers 67, etc.) of various sizes and shapes can be inserted into the drawer housing 60.

[0078] Figure 1BA side view of an example of a mobile workstation 100 is shown. The mobile workstation 100 may include a wheeled base 110, and a support structure 120 (eg, a fixed height riser or a telescoping riser, etc.) may be connected to the wheeled base 110. Figure 1B 100 ). In some example configurations, the head unit assembly 130 and the cable storage box 140 can be coupled to the mobile stand. The cable storage box 140 can hold one or more cables and a power connector (e.g., a power outlet strip). In some example configurations, the mobile workstation 100 can include a handle 105 to facilitate transportation of the workstation 100.

[0079] Balancing mechanism 115( Figure 2 The mobile stand can be connected to the support structure 120 and can be connected to the mobile stand. As described herein, the balance mechanism 115 can provide height adjustment for the mobile stand. The distance between the wheeled base 110 and the head unit assembly 130 can be selectively adjusted by translating the mobile stand relative to the wheeled base along a portion of the support structure 120.

[0080] The head unit assembly 130 can include a work surface 131 and a computer storage compartment 132. For example, the computer storage compartment 132 can be located below the work surface 131. Additionally, a keyboard tray 133 can be located below the computer storage compartment 132. A keyboard tray arm assembly 127 can be connected to the head unit assembly 130 and the keyboard tray 133. The keyboard tray arm assembly 127 can provide some articulation for the keyboard tray 133 relative to the work surface 131.

[0081] In some example configurations, Figure 1B The mobile workstation 100 may also include a drawer housing 160. One or more drawers may be located within the drawer housing to store items, such as medicines or other medical devices. In some configurations, one or more drawers may be locked within the drawer housing 160 to secure various items contained within the one or more drawers.

[0082] The display mount assembly 150 can be coupled to the mobile workstation 100. For example, the display mount assembly 150 can be located above the work surface 131. The display mount assembly 150 can include a display mount 153, a display arm assembly 151, and a display mount riser 152. The display mount riser 152 can be coupled to the head unit 130. The display arm assembly 151 can be coupled to the display mount riser 152 and the display mount 153. The display arm assembly 151 can provide some articulation for the display mount 153 relative to the display mount riser 152. The display ( Figure 1B131 ) can be coupled to a display mount 153 to position the display above the work surface 131. In some examples, the display mounting riser 152 can provide height adjustment of the display relative to the work surface 131.

[0083] Figure 1B The mobile workstation 100 may also include a power system 170. The power system 170 of the mobile workstation 100 may include a resident battery 180, for example, located within a housing 175 coupled to the base 110. A power module housing 171 and a battery connection housing 172 may be coupled to the rear side of the support structure 120. A power module 174 may be located within the power module housing 171, for example, within a vertical portion of the power module housing 171. A replaceable battery 178 may be removably coupled to the battery connection housing 172.

[0084] The power module 174 may include an AC / DC power supply, an inverter, a battery charging circuit, and a controller ( Figure 1B 100 ), such as shown in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application 16 / 290,831 to Hazzard et al., filed on March 1, 2019, entitled “POWER SYSTEM FOR MOBILE WORKSTATION,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The controller can be in electrical communication with the resident battery 180 and the replaceable battery 178 to provide power to electronic components (e.g., computers, displays, etc.) connected to the mobile workstation 100 according to predefined logic.

[0085] Figure 2 yes Figure 1B A partial rear cross-sectional view of the mobile workstation 100. Figure 2 As seen in FIG. 1 , the support structure 120 may include a balancing mechanism 115 having a spring 190 (eg, an extension spring or a compression spring) and a cam / wheel assembly 192. The balancing mechanism 115 may be operably coupled to the support structure 120 and the mobile support ( Figure 2 ), and can provide a balancing lift for at least a portion of the total weight of the various components connected to the head unit assembly 130 (e.g., the head unit assembly 130, the display mounting assembly 150, the display, the keyboard, the drawer housing 160, the drawers and their contents, other medical equipment located on the work surface 131, etc.) throughout the height adjustment process.

[0086] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the coiled power cord 194 may be located within the support structure 120.

[0087] One end of the coiled power cord 194 can be coupled to the power module 174 and the other end of the coiled power cord 194 can be coupled to, for example, an outlet strip located inside the head unit assembly 130. The coiled power cord 194 can expand and contract during height adjustment of the head unit 130 and can provide power to various electronic devices electrically coupled to the head unit assembly 130, such as computing devices and electronic displays.

[0088] Figure 3 yes Figure 1B 132 of the mobile workstation 100. The computer storage compartment 132 may be an enclosed space for storing and securing electronic components, including but not limited to a computer, one or more cables, a charger, a power brick, etc. The computer storage compartment 132 may include a lower surface 135, a front wall 136, a rear wall 137, and right and left side walls connecting the front wall 136 and the rear wall 137. The front wall, the rear wall, the right and left side walls extend laterally from the lower surface 135. The work surface 131 may be removably connected to the upper end of the computer storage compartment 132. In some example configurations, the computer storage compartment 132 may include a lock ( Figure 3 131). The lock can selectively engage or disengage with the work surface 131. When it is engaged, the lock can prevent the work surface 131 from being removed from the computer storage compartment 132.

[0089] In some example configurations, the lower surface 135 of the computer storage compartment 132 may include a recessed portion 138 proximate the rear wall 137. The lower end of the recessed portion 138 may include a bottom surface 134. The bottom surface 134 may include one or more features to couple the computer storage compartment 132 to the mobile workstation 100, as discussed below in the present disclosure.

[0090] The bottom surface 134 may include an opening 123. The opening 123 may be aligned with the cable storage box 140 and may provide a cable routing channel between the cables stored in the cable storage box 140 and the various electronic devices in the computer storage compartment 132. Figure 7 As shown, the bottom surface 134 may also include one or more grooves 124. When the drawer housing 160 is coupled to the workstation 100, the one or more grooves 124 may be connected to one or more connectors (e.g., Fig.16A The first mechanical connector 222 and the second mechanical connector 224 are aligned.

[0091] The control unit housing 128 may be coupled to the front wall 136 of the computer storage compartment 132. In some example configurations, the control unit housing 128 may be formed as an integral part of the computer storage compartment 132. According to example configurations of the present disclosure, the central control unit 125 may be located inside the control unit housing 128, such as Figure 3-4 The central control unit 125 can perform various workstation functions, including (but not limited to) work surface height adjustment, battery monitoring, drawer control, etc.

[0092] The control unit housing 128 may have an upper surface 139. A touch-sensitive LCD screen 129 may be located below the upper surface 139. The upper surface 139 may be made of anti-glare glass to allow the LCD screen 129 to be easily visible to a user of the mobile workstation 100.

[0093] The LCD screen 129 may be coupled to the central control unit 125. A user of the mobile workstation 100 may perform various workstation functions by interacting with the touch-sensitive LCD screen 129. In some example configurations, an upper surface 139 of the control unit housing 128 may be tilted toward the user to improve visibility of the contents of the LCD screen 129.

[0094] Figure 5 and Figure 6 They include Figure 1B 1 and 10 are cross-sectional and perspective views of a subassembly of a cable storage box 140, a drawer housing 160, and a computer storage compartment 132 of a mobile workstation 100. The cable storage box 140 may include a front wall 143 and a rear wall 144 opposite the front wall 143. A right wall 145 and a left wall 146 opposite the right wall 145 may connect the front wall 143 and the rear wall 144. In some example configurations, such as Figure 8 As shown, the right wall 145 and the left wall 146 may have an angle 162 relative to the front wall 143. The front wall 143, the rear wall 144, the right wall 144 and the left wall may form an interior space of the cable storage box 140.

[0095] The cable storage box 140 may be elongated in a vertical direction from a lower end 141 to an upper end 142. A rear wall 144 of the cable storage box 140 may be located adjacent to the support structure 120. One or more upper extension arms 147 and one or more lower extension arms 148 may be built into the rear wall 144. In some example configurations, the upper extension arm 147 and the lower extension arm 148 may be connected to each other to form a single elongated extension arm.

[0096] The upper extension arm 147 and the lower extension arm 148 can be inserted into the interior space of the support structure 120 through an opening located on the front face 121 of the support structure 120, and they can be coupled to the support structure 120, as discussed below in the present disclosure. In some example configurations, the rear wall 144 of the cable storage box 140, the upper extension arm 147, and the lower extension arm 148 can form a mobile stand. Figure 2The balancing mechanism 115 can be coupled between the support structure 120 and the mobile support (e.g., the cable storage box 140). The cable storage box 140 can be moved along at least a portion of the support structure 120 to adjust the height of the cable storage box 140 (e.g., adjust the distance between the cable storage box 140 and the base 110 of the mobile workstation 100). Similarly, the height of any component coupled to the cable storage box 140 (e.g., the computer storage compartment 132 or the drawer housing 160) can also be adjusted as the height of the cable storage box 140 is adjusted.

[0097] The bottom surface 134 of the recessed portion 138 of the computer storage compartment 132 can rest against the upper end 142 of the cable storage box 140. The computer storage compartment 132 can be coupled to the upper end 142 of the cable storage box 140 using known mechanical attachment methods (eg, screws).

[0098] The cap 149 may be coupled to the lower end of the cable storage box 140. The lower end 141 of the cable storage box 140 may be covered by the cap 149, and the upper end 142 of the cable storage box 140 may be covered by the computer storage compartment 132 to completely enclose the interior space of the cable storage box 140. The drawer housing 160 may be coupled to the front wall 143 of the cable storage box 140 as described below.

[0099] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A top view of the subassembly of FIG. 1 is provided. The rear wall 137 of the computer storage compartment 132 may be located proximate to the support structure 120. Figure 7 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the cable storage box 140 is hidden below the computer storage compartment 132. However, the upper extension arm 147 extending away from the rear wall 144 of the cable storage box 140 is visible. Figure 7 As shown, the upper extension arm 147 can be inserted into the interior space of the support structure 120 through one or more openings on the front face 121 of the support structure 120 .

[0100] The recessed portion 138 of the computer storage compartment 132 may at least partially overlap the cable storage box 140. The upper end 142 of the cable storage box 140 may contact the bottom surface 134 of the recessed portion 138 of the computer storage compartment 132. One or more apertures 126 may be formed on the bottom surface 134.

[0101] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 are respectively configured according to the examples of the present disclosure Figure 5140. The upper extension arm 147 and the lower extension arm 148 can be formed as an integral part of the cable storage box 140. The upper extension arm 147 and the lower extension arm 148 can be connected by the rear wall 144 of the cable storage box 140. One or more first mounting holes 155 can be formed as part of the cable storage box. The one or more first mounting holes 155 can be used to couple the computer storage compartment 132 to the cable storage box 140. The one or more apertures 126 located on the computer storage compartment 132 can be aligned with the one or more first mounting holes 155 located on the cable storage box 140, and one or more screws ( Figure 7 The cable storage box 140 may include a first mounting hole 155 (not shown) that can be inserted through the one or more holes 126 to threadably engage with the one or more first mounting holes 155 to securely couple the computer storage compartment 132 to the cable storage box 140. The cable storage box 140 may also include one or more second mounting holes 156 that may be formed as part of the upper extension arm 147 and the lower extension arm 148. The one or more second mounting holes 156 may be used to connect the cable storage box 140 to the support structure 120.

[0102] In some example configurations, there may be an opening on one or both of the right wall 145 and the left wall 146 of the cable storage box 140 (e.g., the opening 154 located on the left side wall 146). The opening 154 may allow a user to access the contents of the cable storage box 140. In some example configurations, a door 159 may be coupled to the cable storage box 140 where the opening 154 is located (e.g., the door 159 may be rotatably coupled to the cable storage box 140 at the hinge 163, such as Fig.14 154). The door 159 can selectively allow access to the interior space of the cable storage box 140 through the opening 154. A lock (not shown) can be used to lock the door 159 to prevent unauthorized users from opening it.

[0103] In some example configurations, the mobile bracket 157 and the cable storage box 158 may be formed separately, such as Fig.10 The mobile bracket 157 and the cable storage box 158 may be coupled during the assembly process, for example, as a subassembly.

[0104] Figure 11-12 1 and 12 are top views and perspective cross-sectional views of subassemblies of the cable storage box 140 and the support structure 120, respectively. Fig.12140 is removed to show the connection between the cable storage box 140 and the support structure 120. One or more elongated sliders 117 (e.g., ball sliders) can be connected to the support structure 120. The one or more sliders 117 can be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the support structure 120. One or more upper extension arms 147 and one or more lower extension arms 148 can be inserted into the inner space of the support structure 120 and they can be connected to the one or more sliders 117.

[0105] Fig.12 The subassembly of the cable storage box 140 and the support structure 120 shown may also include one or more U-shaped connecting brackets 119. The one or more U-shaped connecting brackets 119 may be connected to the sliding member 117. Fig.12 As shown, one or more U-shaped connecting brackets 119 can clamp the upper and lower ends of the upper extension arm 147 and the lower extension arm 148. At least one hole 118 can be formed on the U-shaped connecting bracket 119. A screw (not shown) can be inserted through the at least one hole 118 and threadedly engaged with one or more second mounting holes 156 located on the upper extension arm 147 and the lower extension arm 148. Fig.12 The cable storage box 140 may be coupled to the support structure 120 as a subassembly. The cable storage box 140 may be movable along at least a portion of the support structure 120.

[0106] Fig.13A A top view of a cable storage box 140 according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown. The right wall 145 and the left wall 146 of the cable storage box 140 may be inclined relative to the front wall 143. An angle 162 may be formed between the right wall 145 or the left wall 146 of the cable storage box 140 and the front wall 143. A right corner 168 may be located at the intersection of the right wall 145 and the front wall 143, and a left corner 169 may be located at the intersection of the right wall 146 and the front wall 143 of the cable storage box 140.

[0107] Fig. 13B A top view of a drawer housing 160 according to an example configuration of the present disclosure is shown. The drawer housing 160 may have a front side 200 and a rear wall 201 opposite the front side 200. The rear wall 201 of the drawer housing 160 may include a recessed portion 202. The recessed portion 202 may be connected to the rear wall 201 by a right connecting wall 164 and a left connecting wall 165. The right connecting wall 164 and the left connecting wall 165 may be angled relative to the rear wall 201. The angle between the right connecting wall 164 or the left connecting wall 165 and the rear wall 201 may generally be the same as the angle 162 of the cable storage box 140. The intersection of the right connecting wall 164 and the recessed portion 202 may form a right corner 166, and the intersection of the left connecting wall 165 and the recessed portion 202 may form a left corner 167.

[0108] Return to reference Figure 6 , the recessed portion 202 and the right connecting wall 164 and the left connecting wall 165 of the drawer housing 160 can be configured to receive the front wall 143 of the cable storage box 140. The front wall 143 of the cable storage box 140 can be inserted into the recessed portion 202 of the drawer housing 160 near the lower end 141 of the cable storage box 140. The drawer housing 160 can slide along the cable storage box 140 from the lower end 141 to the upper end 142. The drawer housing 160 can be fixed to the cable storage box 140 at a desired position by a mechanical fastener as described below.

[0109] Fig.14 1 is a close-up view of the coupling between the drawer housing 160 and the cable storage box 140. The front wall 143 of the cable storage box 140 can be configured to be inserted into the recessed portion 202 of the drawer housing 160. In the coupled configuration, the front wall 143 of the cable storage box 140 can be positioned against the recessed portion 202 of the drawer housing 160. The right corner 168 of the cable storage box 140 can be located near the right corner 166 of the recessed portion 202, and the left corner 169 of the cable storage box 140 can be located near the left corner 167 of the recessed portion 202.

[0110] In the coupled configuration, the right wall 145 of the cable storage box 140 may be close to the right connecting wall 164 of the drawer housing 160, and the left wall 146 of the cable storage box 140 may be close to the left connecting wall 165 of the drawer housing 160. The right connecting wall 164 and the left connecting wall 165 may together form a wedge shape that may prevent the recessed portion 202 of the drawer housing 160 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front wall 143 of the cable storage box 140 once the cable storage box 140 is inserted into the recessed portion 202.

[0111] Fig.15 1 is a partial close-up view of the connection between the cable storage box 140 and the drawer housing 160 according to an example configuration of the present disclosure. Only the right corner of the recessed portion 202 and the cable storage box 140 are shown. The connection on the left side of the recessed portion 202 can also be similar. The front wall 143 of the cable storage box 140 can be inserted into the recessed portion 202 between the right connecting wall 164 and the left connecting wall 165. The front wall 143 can be close to the recessed portion 202, and the side wall 145 of the cable storage box 140 can be close to the right connecting wall 164.

[0112] In some example configurations, the opening 212 may be located on one or both of the right connecting wall 164 and the left connecting wall 165. The latch 213 may be located behind the opening 212 on one or both sides of the recessed portion 202. The latch 213 may be in the drawer housing 160 near the rear wall 201. The latch 213 may be slidably connected to the drawer housing 160. The pad 211 may be located in the opening 212 on one or both of the right connecting wall 164 and the left connecting wall 165 and coupled to the latch 213. The side walls 145 and 146 of the cable storage box 140 may contact the pad 211. The screw 214 may be rotatably coupled to the drawer housing 160 and threadedly engaged with the latch 213. The screw 214 may be rotated by a user of the drawer assembly 160 to move the latch 213 along the axial direction of the screw 214.

[0113] When the drawer housing 160 is coupled to the cable storage box 140 and slid into the desired position as described above, the screw 214 can be rotated to push the latch 213 toward the cable storage box so that the pad 211 coupled to the latch 213 can apply pressure to the side wall 145 of the cable storage box 140 to secure it in the desired position.

[0114] Fig.16A and 16B 2 are upper and lower perspective views of a drawer housing 160 according to an example configuration of the present disclosure. The drawer housing 160 may have a front side 200, a rear wall 201 opposite the front side 200, a right side 203, and a left side 204 opposite the right side 203. The drawer housing 160 may also include an upper surface 205 and a lower surface 206. The combination of the front side 200, the rear wall 201, the right side 203, the left side 204, the upper surface 205, and the lower surface 206 may form an interior space 161 of the drawer housing 160. In some example configurations, one or more drawers of various sizes and shapes may be inserted into the interior space 161 of the drawer housing 160 through the front side 200, as will be discussed below.

[0115] The upper surface 205 of the drawer housing 160 may include a first opening 207, a second opening 208, and a third opening 209. The lower surface 206 of the drawer housing 160 may include a first groove 215 and a second groove 216.

[0116] Fig.17 2 is a top view of the drawer housing 160. The top surface 205 of the drawer housing is removed to show the components below it. The drawer housing 160 may include a lock assembly 220. The lock assembly 220 may include first and second mechanical connectors 222, 224 and an electrical connector 226.

[0117] refer to Fig.16A, the first mechanical connector 222 and the second mechanical connector 224 can protrude through the first opening 207 and the third opening 209, respectively. The electrical connector 226 can protrude through the second opening 208. The mechanical connectors 222 and 224 and the electrical connector 226 can connect the drawer housing 160 to the drawer housing 160. Figure 1B The mobile workstation 100 will be discussed below.

[0118] Fig.18 1 is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the drawer housing 160 and the computer storage compartment 132 according to an example configuration of the present disclosure. Fig.16A As shown, the upper ends of the one or more mechanical connectors 222 and 224 extend above the upper surface 205 of the drawer housing 160. In a coupled configuration (e.g., the drawer housing 160 is coupled to the cable storage box 140 and slid toward the computer storage compartment 132), the one or more mechanical connectors 222 and 224 can be aligned with the one or more grooves 124 located on the bottom surface 134 of the recessed portion 138 of the computer storage compartment 132. The connector assembly 227 can be coupled to the mechanical connectors 222 and 224. The connector assembly 227 may include a stud 228. The stud 228 can be used to further secure the drawer housing 160 to the Figure 1B On the mobile workstation 100.

[0119] Fig.19 A first drawer housing 160A and a second drawer housing 160B are shown in a stacked configuration according to an example configuration of the present disclosure. The construction of the first drawer housing 160A and the second drawer housing 160B is the same as the construction of the drawer housing 160 discussed previously. The first drawer housing 160A can be connected to the cable storage box 140 and can be further secured to the computer storage compartment 132 by one or more mechanical connectors 222 and 224, such as Fig.18 As shown. The second drawer housing 160B may also have one or more connectors similar to the mechanical connectors 222 and 224 of the first drawer housing 160A. The second drawer housing 160B may be coupled to the cable storage box 140 and further secured to the first drawer housing 160A via one or more connectors located on the second drawer housing 160B.

[0120] Fig. 20A 2 is a cross-sectional view of a connection between a first drawer housing 160A and a second drawer housing 160B according to an example configuration of the present disclosure. A stud 228 may be located inside one or more mechanical connectors 222 and 224 of the first drawer housing 160A. The stud 228 may have a threaded shaft 225 located near its upper end. The stud 228 may also have a threaded hole 229 located near its lower end. The stud 228 may be rotatably connected to the mechanical connector. Fig.18In the illustrated coupling configuration, one or more mechanical connectors 222 and 224 may be aligned with one or more grooves 124 located on the bottom surface 134 of the recessed portion 138 of the computer storage compartment 132, and the upper end 225 of the stud 228 may be threadedly engaged with the computer storage compartment 132 to further secure the first drawer housing 160A to the computer storage compartment 132. Figure 1B On the mobile workstation 100.

[0121] After the first drawer housing 160A is coupled to the mobile workstation 100, the second drawer housing 160B may be coupled to the cable storage box 140. The lower end of the cable storage box 141 may be inserted into the recessed portion 202 of the second drawer housing 160B. Fig. 20A As shown, the second drawer housing 160B can be pushed upward toward the first drawer housing 160A so that the upper surface 332 of the second drawer housing 160B can rest on the lower surface 206 of the first drawer housing 160A. One or more mechanical connectors 222 and 224 of the second drawer housing 160B can be used to secure the second drawer housing 160B to the first drawer housing 160A.

[0122] The stud 336 may be located inside the mechanical connectors 222 and 224 of the second drawer housing 160B. The stud 336 may have a threaded shaft 335 located near its upper end. The stud 336 may also have a threaded hole 337 located near its lower end. The stud 336 may be rotatably coupled to the mechanical connectors 222 and 224 of the second drawer housing 160B. Fig. 20A In the illustrated coupling configuration, one or more mechanical connectors of the second drawer housing 160B can be aligned with the first groove 215 and the second groove 216 located at the lower surface 206 of the first drawer housing 160A. The lower end of the stud 336 can be accessed through an opening 334 located at the lower surface 333 of the second drawer housing 160B. The stud 336 can be rotated so that the upper end 335 of the stud 336 can be threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 229 near the lower end of the stud 228 located in the mechanical connectors 222 and 224 of the first drawer housing 160A to further secure the second drawer housing 160B to the mobile workstation 100.

[0123] Fig. 20B 2 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly 227 of a drawer housing 160 according to an example configuration of the present disclosure. The connector assembly 227 may include a slider 330 and a spring 331 (e.g., a compression spring). The slider 330 and the spring 331 may be concentric with the stud 228, and they may move relative to the stud 228. The slider 330 may have a keying feature ( Fig. 20B ) to engage with the retaining block 260 and the stud 228.

[0124] The spring 331 can have an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The spring 331 can be biased toward the extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the spring 331 can push the slider 330 toward the lower end of the stud 228, and the slider 330 can be locked into the retaining block 260 and the stud 228 at the same time, so that the stud 228 can be prevented from rotating. Fig. 20A This is useful when the second drawer housing 160B is coupled to the first drawer housing 160A as shown.

[0125] When the second drawer housing 160B is coupled to the first drawer housing 160A, the upper end of the stud 336 of the mechanical connector and therefore the second drawer housing 160B can be placed in at least one of the first groove 215 and the second groove 216 of the first drawer housing 160A. The upper end of the stud 336 can be threadedly engaged with the lower end of the stud 228. The stud 336 can be rotated to fasten the second drawer housing 160B to the first drawer housing 160A. During this fastening operation, it is desirable to prevent the stud 228 from rotating. As described above, the slider 330 can prevent the stud 228 from rotating.

[0126] In other applications, the stud 228 located inside the first drawer housing 160A needs to be rotated (e.g., during the process of connecting or disconnecting the first drawer housing 160A to the workstation 100). The slider 330 can be urged against the spring 331 toward the upper end of the stud 228 to disengage the keying feature of the slider 330 from the retaining block 260 and the stud 228. Once the keying feature is disengaged, the stud 228 can rotate freely.

[0127] In other example configurations, additional drawer housings may be coupled to the mobile workstation similarly as explained above.

[0128] Fig.21 is a cabinet having four single compartment drawers 240 ( Fig.26 200). The upper surface of the drawer housing 160 is removed to show the drawer 240 located inside the drawer housing 160. The size and shape of the drawer housing 160 can be designed to receive one or more drawers 240. One or more drawers 240 can be inserted into the drawer housing 160 from the front side 200, and they can slide relative to the drawer housing 160. The lock assembly 220 can be located near the rear end of the drawer housing 160. The drawer 240 may include a locking tongue 248 located near its rear end. When the drawer 240 is fully inserted into the drawer housing 160, the locking tongue 248 can engage with the lock assembly 220.

[0129] Fig. 221 is a drawer housing 160 having a single compartment drawer 240. The upper and left side surfaces of the drawer housing 160 and the attached drawers are removed to show the internal components of the drawer housing 160. The lock assembly 220 may include one or more latches 250. The one or more latches 250 may be aligned with the locking tongues 248 of the one or more drawers 240 located within the drawer housing 160. The one or more latches 250 may be activated by a user of the workstation 100 so that the latches 250 may be selectively engaged or disengaged with the locking tongues 248 of each drawer 240 to secure them within the drawer housing 160 or allow them to be at least partially pulled out of the drawer housing 160 to expose their contents.

[0130] In some example configurations, one or more dividers 241 may be inserted into the drawer 240 to partition the interior space of the drawer 240. This is useful for storing various items in their own dedicated spaces to prevent them from being mixed up with other items (e.g., various medications).

[0131] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 20. The lock assembly 220 can be located within the drawer housing 160 near the rear wall 201. The lock assembly 220 can include a retaining block 260 and a drawer controller 270. The drawer controller 270 can be coupled to the retaining block 260. One or more mechanical connectors 222 and 224 can be formed as an integral part of the retaining block 260. An electrical connector 226 can be coupled to the retaining block 260 and it can be electrically connected to the drawer controller 270.

[0132] The lock assembly 220 may also include one or more latches 250. The one or more latches 250 may be coupled to the retaining block 260 via one or more solenoid mounting assemblies 261.

[0133] Fig.24 2 is a perspective view of a solenoid mounting assembly 261. In an example configuration, the solenoid mounting assembly 261 may include a solenoid housing 262, a solenoid body 265, a solenoid rod 266, and a compression spring 267. The solenoid housing 262 may be coupled to the retaining block 260. The solenoid housing 262 may retain the solenoid body 265. The solenoid rod 266 may be slidably engaged with the solenoid body 265. The solenoid rod 266 may be movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The latch 250 may be coupled to the solenoid rod 266 and it may be movable relative to the solenoid body 265. The compression spring 267 may be concentric with the solenoid rod 266 and it may be located between the solenoid body 265 and the latch 250. The compression spring 267 biases the solenoid rod 266 toward the extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the latch 250 may be positioned further away from the solenoid body 265 than in the retracted configuration.

[0134] Fig.25 2 is a perspective view of a latch 250 according to an example configuration. The latch 250 may include a U-shaped latch body 251 including a first side 252, a second side 253 opposite the first side 252, and a bottom 254 connecting the first side 252 and the second side 253.

[0135] One or more latch arms (e.g., a first latch arm 255 and a second latch arm 256) can be coupled to one or more sides of the U-shaped latch body (e.g., the first latch arm 255 can be coupled to the first side 252 and the second latch arm 256 can be coupled to the second side 253). The bottom 254 of the U-shaped latch body 251 can be coupled to a tongue 249. The tongue 249 can be configured to engage with a locking tongue 248 of the drawer 240 to secure it within the drawer housing 160.

[0136] In an example configuration, the solenoid body 265 and the solenoid rod 266 can be located between the first side 252 and the second side 253 of the U-shaped latch body 251. The latch 250 can be coupled to the solenoid rod 266 and can be configured to move with the solenoid rod 266. A hole 257 can be formed on the bottom 254 of the latch body 251, and a hexagonal groove 258 can be formed around the hole 251 on one side of the latch body 251.

[0137] Fig.26 It is a single compartment (e.g., small, narrow, etc.) drawer configured according to an example of the present disclosure. The single compartment drawer 240 may be formed in a quadrilateral cross-section (e.g., rectangular, square, etc.) having a right side wall 242, a left side wall 243, a bottom surface 244, a front surface 245, and a rear surface 247. The upper surface (e.g., opposite to the bottom surface 244) of each drawer 240 may be opened to allow items to be stored in the drawer 240. A handle 246 may be formed in the front surface 245 of the drawer 240 and a locking tongue 248 may be formed in the rear surface 247 of the drawer.

[0138] Fig. 27 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the latch 250 and the solenoid rod 266. The upper end of the solenoid rod 266 can be inserted into the bottom 254 and the screw 263 can pass through the hole 257. The screw 263 can also engage with the solenoid rod 266 to connect the latch 250 to the solenoid rod 266. The nut 264 can be inserted into the hexagonal recess 258 and the screw 263 can be threadedly engaged with the nut 264 to prevent it from exiting the latch 250.

[0139] A compression spring 267 located between the latch 250 and the solenoid body 265 can bias the tongue 249 away from the solenoid body 265. In the locked configuration, the solenoid can be deactivated so that the compression spring 267 can push the tongue 249 away from the solenoid body 265 (e.g., the solenoid rod 266 can be in an extended configuration). In the unlocked configuration, the solenoid can be activated so that the solenoid can pull the latch 250 and the tongue 249 toward the solenoid body 265 (e.g., the solenoid rod 266 can be in a retracted configuration). When the drawer 240 is fully inserted into the drawer housing 160, the tongue 249 can engage with the deadbolt 248 of the drawer 240 in the locked configuration, as shown in FIG. Fig. 27 shown.

[0140] Fig.28 yes Fig.23 A perspective view of the lock assembly 220, Fig.29 is a partial perspective view of a lock assembly 220 configured according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 28-29 The retaining block 260 is removed to show the internal components. The lock assembly 220 may include a manual release bracket 280. The manual release bracket 280 can have an elongated body (e.g., an elongated rod, an elongated sheet metal bracket, etc.). The manual release bracket can be elongated in an axial direction 281. The manual release bracket 280 can be movably coupled to the retaining block 260 (e.g., it can rotate, slide, shift, etc.). In an example configuration, the manual release bracket 280 (e.g., an elongated rod) can rotate relative to the retaining block 260 about the axis 281, as shown in FIG. Figure 28-29 As shown. Manual release bracket 280 may include one or more arms 282. One or more arms 282 may protrude from an elongated body (e.g., an elongated rod) of manual release bracket 280 in a radial direction (e.g., perpendicular to axis 281). One or more arms 282 may rotate with manual release bracket 280 about axis 281 (e.g., rotate in first direction 278).

[0141] Generally, there can be one or more arms 282 associated with each solenoid mounting assembly 261 (e.g., a first arm 282A can be located near the left side of the solenoid mounting assembly 261 and a second arm 282B can be located near the right side of the solenoid mounting assembly 261). The first arm 282A and the second arm 282B can be configured to press on the first latch arm 255 and the second latch arm 256, respectively.

[0142] The lock assembly may also include a spring 284 (e.g., a torsion spring, an extension spring, a compression spring, a leaf spring, etc.). The spring 284 may bias one or more arms 282 of the manual release bracket 280 away from the latch arms 255 and 256. In an example configuration, the spring may be a torsion spring 284. The torsion spring 284 may be coaxial with the manual release bracket 280 (e.g., an elongated rod). One leg of the torsion spring 284 may engage with the retaining block 260, and the other leg of the torsion spring 284 may be connected to the manual release bracket 280. The torsion spring 284 may rotate the manual release bracket 280 in a first direction 278 (e.g., one or more arms 282 may be biased away from the latch arms 255). When one or more arms 282 are away from the latch arms 255 and 256, the compression spring 267 may translate the latch (e.g., push the latch 250 upward) so that the tongue 249 may engage with the lock tongue 248 when the drawer 240 is fully inserted into the drawer housing 160.

[0143] In some example configurations, the lock assembly 220 may also include a slider 286. The slider 286 may be slidably engaged with the retaining block 260. Generally, the slider 286 may have an elongated body (e.g., the slider body may extend between an upper end 288 and a lower end 289 of the slider 286). The slider 286 may be configured to move in a first direction 285. Generally, the first direction 285 may be a vertical direction. The slider 286 may be manually (e.g., pushed, pulled, etc.) or electronically (e.g., by a servo motor, etc.) activated by a user of the workstation 100. The slider 286 may cooperate with the manual release bracket 280 to lock or unlock the drawer.

[0144] In some example configurations, slider 286 may include: Figure 28-29 The finger 287 is shown. The finger 287 can extend away from the slider body. The finger 287 can be configured to contact one or more arms 282 (eg, the finger 287 can apply pressure on one or more arms 282). In the locked configuration of the lock assembly 220 (e.g., when the tongue 249 is engaged with the lock tongue 248), if the solenoid fails (e.g., the solenoid cannot be activated to electronically pull the latch 250 and the tongue 249 toward the solenoid body 265) and the drawer 240 cannot be unlocked, a user of the workstation 100 can press the upper end 288 of the slider 286 to push it downward so that the finger 287 can apply pressure on one or more arms 282 to rotate the manual release bracket 280 in a second direction opposite to the first direction 278, so that the one or more arms 282 can push the latch arms 255 and 256 to push the latch 250 and the tongue 249 downward toward the solenoid body 265 to manually unlock the drawer 240.

[0145] In some example configurations, the manual release bracket 280 may be as follows: Figure 30-31The manual release bracket 280 can be slidably engaged with the retaining block 260. The slider 286 can be coupled to the manual release bracket 280. The slider 286 can be activated by a user of the workstation 100 to move it in the first direction 285. When the slider 286 is activated, it can also move the manual release bracket 280 in the first direction 285.

[0146] One or more arms 282 can be coupled to the manual release bracket (e.g., one or more arms 282 can move with the manual release bracket 280 in a first direction 285). One or more arms 282 can be configured to contact the latch arms 255 and 256 when the slider 286 is activated to push the latch 250 toward the solenoid body (e.g., away from the deadbolt 248) to manually unlock the drawer 240. When the slider is not activated by a user of the workstation 100, a spring (e.g., a torsion spring, an extension spring, a compression spring, a leaf spring, etc.) can bias the manual release bracket 280 in a second direction opposite to the first direction 285 (e.g., one or more arms can be biased away from the latch arm). The spring is not in the Figure 30-31 Displayed in.

[0147] An upper end 288 of a slide 286 of a first drawer housing 160A (eg, a drawer housing 160 directly coupled to the computer storage compartment 132) may extend into the interior space of the computer storage compartment 132. A user of the workstation 100 may access the upper end 288 of the slide 286 by unlocking the computer storage compartment 132.

[0148] In some example configurations where two or more drawer housings are coupled together (e.g., Fig.19 160A and 160B shown), the slider of the first drawer housing 160A and the slider of the second drawer housing 160B can contact. The upper end of the slider of the second drawer housing 160B can contact the lower end of the slider of the first drawer housing 160A.

[0149] when Fig.19 When the drawer assembly is coupled to the workstation 100, the upper end 288 of the slider 286 of the first drawer housing 160A can extend into the interior space of the computer storage compartment 132. When a user of the workstation 100 presses the slider 286 of the first drawer housing 160A (e.g., presses the upper end 288 of the slider 286 located within the computer storage compartment 132), all drawers can be unlocked in the first drawer housing 160A and the second drawer housing 160B.

[0150] As previously described, each drawer housing 160 can have a lock assembly 220, and in some example configurations one or more drawers of different sizes and shapes can be inserted into the drawer housing. One or more drawers can cooperate with the lock assembly to selectively lock and unlock one or more drawers. It may be useful to detect whether one or more drawers are locked or unlocked (e.g., the latch 250 is in a locked configuration or an unlocked configuration). If the detected lock state does not match the lock state expected by the controller (e.g., the controller sends a signal to change the lock state but the detected lock state does not change), the controller can determine that the lock has failed, and then the controller can take additional actions (e.g., try to recover from the failure by retrying to lock or unlock, or send a lock state alert to the user of the workstation 100. According to some example configurations currently disclosed, the lock state can be detected as described below.

[0151] Fig.32 2 is a perspective view of a latch 250 and a drawer controller 270 configured according to an example of the present disclosure. The drawer controller 270 may include at least one translation sensor 290. The translation sensor 290 may measure the translation of a movable component (e.g., latch 250) relative to a reference point (e.g., retaining block 260). In some examples, the translation sensor 290 may be coupled to the movable component (e.g., latch 250) or to the retaining block 260.

[0152] Sensor operator 259 (such as Fig.25 The latch 250 may be coupled to (or included in) the latch 250. The translation sensor 290 may detect the sensor operator 259, and the translation sensor 290 may determine the position (or change in position) of the sensor operator 259 relative to the sensor 290 (e.g., the sensor 290 may detect translation of the latch 250). For example, the translation sensor 290 may include a Hall effect sensor, and the sensor operator 259 may include a magnet. The sensor 290 may detect changes in the magnetic field, such as when the latch 250 translates. When the sensor operator 259 translates relative to the sensor 290, the sensor 290 may modulate an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage, current, impedance, etc.). Thus, the sensor 290 may measure the translation of the latch 250 relative to the retaining block 260. In some example configurations, the sensor 290 may be aligned with the sensor operator 259 when the latch is in the locked configuration.

[0153] The sensor 290 (and the sensor operator 259) may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: an optical sensor, a potentiometer, an accelerometer, a Hall effect sensor, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, a motion detector, a force sensor, a contact sensor, and a current sensor. The drawer controller 270 may include a microcontroller 295. The sensor 290 may communicate with the microcontroller 295 and the sensor operator 259 may communicate with the microcontroller 295. Thus, the microcontroller 295 may determine the position of the latch 250 relative to the retaining block 260 (e.g., by communicating with the translation sensor 290 that measures the translation of the latch 250). Fig.23 Based on the sensor data received from the sensor 290, the microcontroller 295 can determine whether the latch 250 is in a locked configuration or an unlocked configuration.

[0154] Back to Fig.23 , the lock assembly 220 includes one or more solenoids. One or more latches 250 can be coupled to the one or more solenoids. A user of the workstation 100 can activate the one or more solenoids to move the one or more latches 250 between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. The one or more solenoids and the drawer controller 270 require electrical energy to operate. In the event that electrical energy is not available to operate the one or more solenoids, the lock assembly 220 can still be operated by using a manual override system. The manual override system can include a manual release bracket 280 to move the one or more latches 250 between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, as previously described.

[0155] When the manual override system is activated, it can disable the operation of one or more solenoids, as discussed earlier in the present disclosure. When power is restored to the workstation 100 after the manual override system is activated, the electronic locking mechanism (e.g., using one or more solenoids) cannot operate until the manual override is removed by the user of the workstation 100. Therefore, the drawer controller (e.g., a microcontroller) needs to know whether the manual override is still in effect so that the microcontroller can issue a status alert to the user to deactivate the manual override. According to some example configurations of the present disclosure, the manual override state can be detected as follows.

[0156] Fig.33 2 is a perspective view of a manual release bracket 280 and a drawer controller 270 configured according to an example of the present disclosure. The drawer controller 270 may include at least one translation sensor 297. The translation sensor 297 may measure the translation of a movable component (e.g., the manual release bracket 280) relative to the translation sensor 297. In some examples, the translation sensor 297 may be coupled to the movable component (e.g., the manual release bracket 280) or to the retaining block 260.

[0157] The sensor operator 298 can be coupled to (or included in) the manual release bracket 280. In some example configurations, the manual release bracket 280 can have a Figure 33-34 The protrusion 283 shown. The protrusion 283 can extend from the body of the manual release bracket 280. The sensor operator 298 can be coupled to the protrusion 283. In other example configurations, the sensor operator 298 can be integrated into the body of the manual release bracket 280, such as Fig.35 When the manual release bracket 280 moves (eg, translates, rotates, etc.) to activate the manual override, the sensor operator 298 may approach the translation sensor 297 and it may be detected by the translation sensor 297 .

[0158] The translation sensor 297 can detect the sensor operator 298, and the translation sensor 297 can determine the position (or change in position) of the sensor operator 298 relative to the sensor 297 (e.g., the sensor 297 can detect the translation of the manual release bracket 280). For example, the translation sensor 297 can include a Hall effect sensor, and the sensor operator 298 can include a magnet. The sensor 297 can detect changes in the magnetic field, such as when the manual release bracket 280 translates. When the sensor operator 298 translates relative to the sensor 297, the sensor 297 can modulate an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage, current, impedance, etc.). Therefore, the sensor 297 can measure the translation of the manual release bracket 280 relative to the retaining block 260. In some example configurations, the sensor 297 can be aligned with the sensor operator 298 when the manual override is activated.

[0159] The sensor 297 (and the sensor operator 298) may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: an optical sensor, a potentiometer, an accelerometer, a Hall effect sensor, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, a motion detector, a force sensor, a contact sensor, and a current sensor. The drawer controller 270 may include a microcontroller 295. The sensor 297 may communicate with the microcontroller 295 and the sensor operator 298 may communicate with the microcontroller 295. Thus, the microcontroller 295 may determine the translation of the manual release bracket 280 by communicating with the translation sensor 297 that measures the translation of the manual release bracket 280. Based on the sensor data received from the sensor 297, the microcontroller 295 may determine whether the manual override is activated.

[0160] One or more drawers can be inserted into the drawer housing 160 depending on the size of the drawer and the desired configuration. For example, according to an exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, four single compartment drawers 240 can be inserted into the drawer housing 160. Fig.21In the drawer housing 160 shown. Each single compartment drawer 240 can have a locking tongue 248 coupled to their rear surface 247. Each locking tongue 248 can engage with a latch 250 of the lock assembly 220 to secure them in the drawer housing 160.

[0161] Figure 36-37 2 is a perspective view of a drawer housing 160 with different drawer configurations. The upper surface 205 of the drawer housing 160 is removed to show the drawers and the lock assembly 220. Each drawer can be inserted into the drawer housing through the front end 200 of the drawer housing 160, and when they are fully inserted into the drawer housing 160, they can engage with the lock assembly 220.

[0162] like Fig.36 As shown, a four-compartment drawer 300 (e.g., large, four times larger than a single compartment 240, etc.) can be inserted into a drawer housing 160. The four-compartment drawer can have a front surface 301 and a rear surface 308. One or more locking tongues (e.g., a first locking tongue 304 and a second locking tongue 306) can be coupled to the rear surface 308, and a handle 302 can be coupled to the front surface 301. When the four-compartment drawer 300 is fully inserted into the drawer housing 160 to secure it within the drawer housing 160, the one or more locking tongues (e.g., 304 and 306) can engage with the one or more latches 250 of the lock assembly 220.

[0163] A dual compartment drawer 310 (e.g., medium size, twice as large as the single compartment drawer 240, etc.) may be inserted into the drawer housing 160, such as Fig.37 As shown. The dual compartment drawer 310 may have a front surface 311 and a rear surface 318. One or more locking tongues (e.g., a first locking tongue 314 and a second locking tongue 316) may be coupled to the rear surface 318, and the handle 312 may be coupled to the front surface 311. When the dual compartment drawer 310 is fully inserted into the drawer housing 160 to secure it within the drawer housing 160, the one or more locking tongues (e.g., 314 and 316) may engage with the one or more latches 250 of the lock assembly 220.

[0164] Figure 38-41 Two drawer housings 160A and 160B coupled to each other are shown according to some example configurations of the present disclosure. The second drawer housing 160B may be located below the first drawer housing 160A. The second drawer housing 160B may be coupled to the first drawer housing 160A via a first mechanical connector 222 and a second mechanical connector 224 of the second drawer housing 160B. The second drawer housing 160B may also be electrically coupled to the first drawer housing 160A via an electrical connector 226 of the second drawer housing 160B.

[0165] Figure 38-41The illustrated two-drawer assembly can be connected to the workstation 100 via the first mechanical connector 222 and the second mechanical connector 224 of the first drawer housing 160A. Similarly, the two-drawer assembly can be electrically coupled to the workstation 100 via the electrical connector 226 of the first drawer housing 160A.

[0166] A drawer (e.g., a single, double, or quad compartment drawer) may have dividers to divide the interior space of the drawer. The dividers may be oriented in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Fig.37 of a four-compartment drawer 319), or in the horizontal direction (e.g. Fig. 22 Dividers 241 for single compartment drawers.

[0167] In some example configurations, any combination of drawers (e.g., Fig.21 and 40 Up to four single compartment drawers 240 as shown in FIG. Fig.37 and 41 Up to two double compartment drawers as shown in , or Fig.36 and 38 A single four-compartment drawer as shown in FIG. 1 or other combinations of drawers) can be inserted into the drawer housing. In some example configurations where multiple drawer housings are coupled to the workstation 100, the first drawer housing 160A and the second drawer housing 160B can have different drawer combinations, such as Fig.39 shown.

[0168] In some example configurations, the connection to the Figure 1B Operation of drawers included in one or more drawer housings of the workstation 100.

[0169] Fig.42 4 is a block diagram representation of a dynamic drawer addressing method 400. The dynamic drawer addressing method 400 may include a central control unit 125 and one or more drawer housings 160. The central control unit 125 may be located on the workstation 100 and it may interface with all drawer housings connected to the workstation 100 via a shared bidirectional data bus 410-411. The central control unit 125 may also communicate directly with the first drawer housing 160A via a first data bus enable signal 420. The first drawer housing 160A may include a second data bus enable signal 430 that may be directly connected to the second drawer housing 160B. The second data bus enable signal 430 may only communicate with the second drawer housing 160B that may be directly located below the first drawer housing 160A. This connection method may be cascaded downward to the Nth drawer housing 160N.

[0170] Each drawer housing (e.g., first drawer housing 160A, second drawer housing 160B, etc.) may include a drawer controller 270 and one or more latches 250. The drawer controller 270 may be coupled to one or more latches 250 included in the drawer housing 160 to control up to n electromechanical latches (e.g., first latch 250A, second latch 250B, etc.) to unlock and lock up to n individual drawers. The drawer controller 270 may include a processor 273 and a memory 275. When the workstation 100 is initialized or powered on, the memory 275 in each drawer controller 270 may be pre-programmed with a default address so that each drawer housing 160 may be identical.

[0171] The central control unit 125 assigns each drawer housing 160 its own unique address via the shared data bus 410-411. During power-up or initialization, all data bus enable signals (e.g., the first data bus enable signal 420 and the second data bus enable signal 430) may be disabled so that no drawer housing 160 may respond to any communication from the central control unit 125. The central control unit 125 may enable communication with the first drawer housing by enabling its first data bus enable signal 420, which is shared only with the first drawer housing 160A.

[0172] Subsequently, using the default pre-programmed address, the central control unit 125 can communicate via the shared data bus 410-411 to send the first unique address to the drawer housing. Since only the first drawer housing 160A enables or listens to its communication bus 420, it can receive the first unique address via the shared data bus 410-411 and respond with a confirmation message via the communication bus 420. The central control unit 125 can instruct the first drawer housing 160A with the first unique address to enable the second data bus enable signal 430 that it shares only with the second drawer housing 160B.

[0173] Subsequently, the central control unit 125 can use the default pre-programmed address again to communicate through the shared data bus 410-411 to send the second unique address to the drawer shell. The first drawer shell 160A and the second drawer shell 160B can both enable or monitor their communication buses, but only the second drawer shell 160B can respond to the default pre-programmed address. Therefore, the second drawer shell 160B can receive the second unique address through the shared data bus 410-411 and respond to the confirmation message through the communication bus 430.

[0174] This described sequence may continue for each respective drawer enclosure until no more confirmation messages can be received after attempting to send the Nth unique drawer address. At this point, the central control unit 125 may determine that there may be N-1 drawer enclosures and that dynamic addressing has been completed.

[0175] Various modular components (e.g., drawer housings, drawers, printers, scanners, computers, etc.) can be added to the workstation 100 during its use. These modules can have various configurations (e.g., drawer configurations, etc.). It is desirable for the central control unit 125 to recognize these added modules and their configurations so that the central control unit 125 can monitor the use of these modules and report or issue an alert to the user.

[0176] According to some example configurations currently disclosed, the workstation 100 can have various sensors (e.g., Hall effect sensors, optical sensors, etc.). The sensors can be coupled to the central control unit 125. The modules (e.g., drawers) can have sensor operators (e.g., magnets, color-coded tapes, etc.) embedded therein. The sensor operators can be strategically located on the modules so that they can be aligned with the sensors when the modules are coupled to the workstation 100. The sensors can determine the status of the sensor operators during use of the workstation 100 and transmit their status to the central control unit 125.

[0177] Can often connect to Figure 1B An example of a module of the workstation 100 is a drawer housing 160 with different drawer configurations (e.g., single compartment, double compartment, quad compartment, double compartment / high, quad compartment / high, etc.). The drawer configuration within the drawer housing 160 can have various characteristics (e.g., size, shape, color, orientation, etc.). The user of the workstation 100 can flexibly rearrange the drawer configuration according to the tasks to be performed using the workstation 100.

[0178] In some example embodiments, when the drawer housing 160 is coupled to the workstation 100 and to the central control unit 125, the central control unit 125 determines that a drawer configuration may be desired. Once the drawer configuration is determined, the central control unit 125 can monitor the use of the drawers and report the status of the drawers (e.g., open / closed, present / absent, locked / unlocked, etc.) and issue an alert to the user of the workstation 100.

[0179] The central control unit 125 may automatically learn the drawer configuration when the drawer is coupled to the workstation 100, or the drawer configuration may be input by a user of the workstation 100. In order to prevent errors and reduce the amount of data input by the user of the workstation 100, it is desirable that the central control unit 125 automatically determines the drawer configuration when the drawer is coupled to the workstation 100. One or more methods explained in the present disclosure may be used to automatically determine the drawer configuration.

[0180] Fig.43A-E is a block diagram representation of some example drawer configurations, including single compartment 240, double compartment 310, double compartment / tall 315, quad compartment 300, and quad compartment / tall drawer 305. Other drawer configurations may also be designed and used within the scope of the present disclosure. Any method explained in the present disclosure may also be applied to any other drawer configuration without limitation. Fig.43A -E, one or more sensor operators (e.g., magnet 500) can be embedded in the drawer. In some example configurations, the single compartment drawer 240 can have a sensor operator (e.g., magnet 500A), and the double compartment drawer 310 and the four compartment drawer 300 can have two sensor operators (e.g., magnet 500A and 500B), and the four compartment / high drawer 305 can have four sensor operators (e.g., magnet 500A, 500B, 500C and 500D). Other sensor operator configurations are also considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The sensor operator (e.g., magnet) can be strategically located on the drawer to align with one or more sensors (e.g., the Hall Effect sensor located on the drawer controller 270) to identify a specific drawer configuration.

[0181] Fig.44A -H is a block diagram representation of various drawer configurations and drawer controllers 270 according to some example configurations currently disclosed. The drawer controller 270 can have one or more sensors 600 (e.g., eight sensors 600A, 600B, 600C, 600D, 600E, 600F, 600G, and 600H), and the drawer controller can be divided into one or more areas 610 (e.g., four areas 610A, 610B, 610C, and 610D). Each area 610 may include one or more sensors 600 (e.g., a first sensor 600A near the left end of area 610A and a second sensor 600B near the right end of area 610A, and so on). A microcontroller 295 (e.g., located on the drawer controller 270) Fig.32 As shown) can communicate with all sensors located on the drawer controller 270.

[0182] Fig.45A -C is a top view of the rear end of the drawer against the drawer controller 270 according to some example configurations of the present disclosure. Depending on its size, each drawer may overlap with one or more regions 610 of the drawer controller 270. For example, in Fig.45A In the embodiment, the single compartment drawer 240 can overlap with a single area 610A, while in Fig.45B In the embodiment, the dual compartment drawer 310 can overlap the two areas 610A-B and Fig.45C , the four-compartment drawer 300 may overlap with the four regions 610A-BCD).

[0183] like Fig.45A -C, the sensor operator 500 can be connected to the rear end of the lock tongue facing the drawer controller 270 (e.g., the lock tongue 248 of the single compartment drawer 240, etc.). The sensor operator 500 (e.g., a magnet) can be located on each drawer to align with the sensor 600 located in one or more areas 610 of the drawer controller 270. Each different drawer configuration can have a unique arrangement of sensor operator positions (e.g., magnet positions). Depending on the alignment between one or more sensors 600 and one or more sensor operators 500, a specific drawer configuration and its position within the drawer housing 160 can be automatically detected by the central control unit 125 of the workstation 100.

[0184] Fig.46 700 is a block diagram representation of a module (e.g., drawer) detection system. Each unit 160 (e.g., a drawer housing) may include a controller 270 (e.g., a drawer controller). The controller 270 may include a microcontroller 295 and one or more sensors 600 (e.g., 600A-H). The one or more sensors 600 may communicate with the microcontroller 295 (e.g., via a signal line 710). One or more sensor operators 500 (e.g., 500A-N) may be coupled to a modular component (e.g., a drawer). N sensor operators (e.g., N may be any integer) may be coupled to a modular component according to the configuration (e.g., size, shape, orientation, etc.) of the modular component. When the sensor operator 500 is located near the controller 270 (e.g., a drawer may be inserted into a drawer housing), the one or more sensor operators 500 may be detected by the one or more sensors 600. Based on the match between the sensor 600 and the sensor operator 500 , the microcontroller 295 of the controller 270 can determine the configuration of the module (eg, the size and position of the drawer can be determined) and communicate it to the central control unit 125 via the communication line 720 .

[0185] In the example configuration, Fig.45A As shown, the single compartment drawer 240 can have the sensor operator 500A (e.g., a magnet) positioned near the left side of the locking tongue 248. Fig.44A and 45AIn the example configuration shown, the single compartment drawer 240 can overlap only one area (e.g., 610A, etc.) of the drawer controller 270. When the single compartment drawer 240 is inserted into the drawer housing 160, the sensor can be aligned with the sensor operator (e.g., sensor 600A can be aligned with magnet 500A, etc.). Since only one sensor operator (e.g., magnet 500A located near the left side of the lock tongue 248) can be aligned with only one sensor (e.g., sensor 600A located near the left side of area 610A), the central control unit 125 can detect that the single compartment drawer 240 is inserted into the drawer housing 160 to overlap with area 610A of the drawer controller 270. In another example configuration, if only one sensor operator (e.g., magnet 500A) can be aligned with only one sensor (e.g., sensor 600G), the central control unit 125 can detect that the single compartment drawer 240 is inserted into the drawer housing 160 to overlap with area 610D of the drawer controller 270. Similarly, in other configurations, a single compartment drawer 240 may be inserted into the drawer housing 160 to overlap with other areas 610 of the drawer controller 270 and may be detected by the central control unit 125 .

[0186] In another example configuration, the dual compartment drawer 310 may have a Fig.45B The two locking tongues 314 and 316 shown in the figure, and the sensor operator can be coupled to each locking tongue (for example, the magnet 500A can be coupled to the locking tongue 316 near its right side, and the magnet 500B can be coupled to the locking tongue 314 near its right side). Fig.44E and 45B In the example configuration shown, the dual compartment drawer 310 can overlap two adjacent areas (e.g., 610A and 610B, etc.) of the drawer controller 270. When the dual compartment drawer 310 is inserted into the drawer housing 160, the two sensors can be aligned with the two sensor operators (e.g., the magnet 500A located near the right side of the lock tongue 316 can be aligned with the sensor 600B located near the right side of the area 610A, and the magnet 500B located near the right side of the lock tongue 314 can be aligned with the sensor 600D located near the right side of the area 610B), and the central control unit 125 can detect that the dual compartment drawer 310 is inserted into the drawer housing 160 to overlap with the areas 610A-B of the control board 270. Similarly, in other configurations, the dual compartment drawer 310 can be inserted into the drawer housing 160 to overlap with two other areas 610 of the drawer controller 270 and can be detected by the central control unit 125.

[0187] In yet another example configuration, a four-compartment drawer 300 may have a Fig.45CThe two locking tongues 304 and 306 shown in the figure, and the sensor operator can be coupled to each locking tongue (for example, the magnet 500A can be coupled to the locking tongue 306 near its right side, and the magnet 500B can be coupled to the locking tongue 304 near its left side). Fig.44F and 45C In the example configuration shown, the four-compartment drawer 300 can overlap with four areas (e.g., 610A-BCD) of the drawer controller 270. When the four-compartment drawer 300 is inserted into the drawer housing 160, two sensors can be aligned with two sensor operators (e.g., magnet 500A located near the right side of the lock tongue 306 can be aligned with sensor 600B located near the right side of area 610A, and magnet 500B located near the left side of the lock tongue 304 can be aligned with sensor 600G located near the left side of area 610D), and the central control unit 125 can detect that the four-compartment drawer 300 is inserted into the drawer housing to overlap with areas 610A-D of the drawer controller 270.

[0188] Some example configurations of the present disclosure have been discussed above to illustrate the various modular components (e.g., drawers) coupled to the Figure 1B Methods for detecting the configuration and position of workstations 100 when they are inserted into a drawer housing (e.g., inserted into a drawer housing). The methods discussed may include unique arrangements of sensors (e.g., Hall effect sensors located on a drawer controller) and sensor operators (e.g., magnets embedded in the drawer). Some example arrangements of sensors and sensor operators are described above. Other arrangements may also be used and are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0189] When a modular component (e.g., drawer housing 160A, or drawer 240, etc.) is coupled to workstation 100, one or more sensor operators located on the modular component (e.g., magnets 500 located on drawer 240, etc.) can be aligned with one or more sensors coupled to workstation 100 (e.g., Hall effect sensors 600 located on drawer controller 270, etc.), and electronics located on the workstation (e.g., microcontroller 295 located on drawer controller 270, etc.) can determine which sensors are present and where they are located. Because the arrangement of sensors may be unique for each different configuration or type of modular component (e.g., a single compartment drawer may have only one sensor operator detected by only one sensor, such as Fig.45A As shown, or a four compartment / high drawer may have four sensor operators detected by four sensors, such as Figure 44H As shown, etc.), the electronic device can use this knowledge (e.g., by using software algorithms, lookup tables, or other methods) to determine the type, configuration, and location of modular components connected to the workstation 100.

[0190] Additional notes and aspects

[0191] Aspect 1 may include or use a subject matter (e.g., an apparatus, system, device, method, means for performing an action, or a device-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by the device, can cause the device to perform an action), for example, may include or use an apparatus having replaceable components, the apparatus comprising: a support structure; a housing coupled to the support structure, wherein the housing is configured to receive at least one component; a plurality of sensor operators coupled to the at least one component; a plurality of sensors coupled to the apparatus, wherein the plurality of sensors are configured to detect a transfer of the plurality of sensor operators; and a control unit communicating with the plurality of sensors, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a configuration of the at least one component.

[0192] Aspect 2 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1 to optionally further include a work surface supported by the support structure.

[0193] Aspect 3 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of aspect 1, to optionally include or use wherein the housing is a drawer housing.

[0194] Aspect 4 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of aspect 3, to optionally include or use wherein the component is a drawer.

[0195] Aspect 5 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include or use wherein the housing is a storage compartment.

[0196] Aspect 6 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 5 to optionally include or use wherein the at least one component includes at least one of a computer, a data storage device, a printer, a charger, a data cable, a scanner, or an electronic device.

[0197] Aspect 7 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include or use wherein the housing is a battery holding bracket.

[0198] Aspect 8 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 7, to optionally include or use wherein the at least one component is a battery.

[0199] Aspect 9 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of aspect 1, to optionally include or use wherein the housing is an accessory holding bracket.

[0200] Aspect 10 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of aspect 9 to optionally include or use wherein the component includes at least one of a scanner, a wipe container, a temperature sensor, a thermal imager, or a storage bin.

[0201] Aspect 11 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1 to optionally include or use wherein the sensor includes at least one of a Hall effect sensor, a potentiometer, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an IR sensor, a motion detector, a force sensor, a contact sensor, a current sensor, or an optical sensor.

[0202] Aspect 12 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1 to optionally further include: a wheeled base, wherein the support structure is coupled to the wheeled base.

[0203] Aspect 13 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1 to optionally further include: a movable bracket slidably coupled to the support structure.

[0204] Aspect 14 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 13 to optionally further include: a lifting assembly, wherein the lifting assembly is connected between the movable bracket and the support structure, and wherein the lifting assembly is configured to translate the housing relative to the support structure.

[0205] Aspect 15 may include or use a subject matter (e.g., an apparatus, system, device, method, means for performing an action, or a device-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by the device, can cause the device to perform an action), such as an apparatus having replaceable components, the apparatus comprising: a support structure; a housing coupled to the support structure, wherein the housing is configured to receive at least one component; a lock assembly having one or more latches, wherein the one or more latches are adapted to engage with the at least one component in a locked configuration and to disengage from the at least one component in an unlocked configuration; a plurality of sensor operators coupled to the one or more latches; a plurality of sensors coupled to the apparatus, wherein the plurality of sensors are configured to detect a shift of the plurality of sensor operators; and a control unit communicating with the plurality of sensors, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a configuration of the one or more latches when the one or more latches are in the locked configuration or the unlocked configuration.

[0206] Aspect 16 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 15 to optionally further include: a manual release bracket, wherein the manual release bracket is adapted to selectively engage with the one or more latches in an unlocked configuration; a manual release sensor operator connected to the manual release bracket; a manual release sensor connected to the appliance, wherein the manual release sensor is configured to detect movement of the manual release sensor operator; and a control unit in communication with the manual release sensor, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine the configuration of the manual release bracket when it is in the unlocked configuration.

[0207] Aspect 17 may include or use a subject matter (e.g., an apparatus, system, device, method, means for performing an action, or a device-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by the device, may cause the device to perform an action), such as may include or use a workstation comprising a drawer system, the workstation comprising: a support structure; a work surface connected to the support structure; a drawer housing coupled to the support structure, wherein the drawer housing is configured to receive a plurality of drawers; a plurality of sensor operators coupled to the plurality of drawers; a plurality of sensors coupled to the drawer housing, wherein the plurality of sensors are configured to detect a transfer of the plurality of sensor operators; and a control unit that communicates with the plurality of sensors and is configured to determine a configuration of at least one of the plurality of drawers.

[0208] Aspect 18 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 17, to optionally include or use wherein the workstation further comprises a wheeled base, wherein the support structure is coupled to the wheeled base.

[0209] Aspect 19 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of aspect 17 to optionally further include a movable bracket slidably coupled to the support structure.

[0210] Aspect 20 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 19 to optionally further include: a lifting assembly, wherein the lifting assembly is connected between the movable bracket and the support structure, and wherein the lifting assembly is configured to translate the drawer housing relative to the support structure.

[0211] Each of these non-limiting embodiments may exist independently, or may be arranged or combined in any arrangement or combination with any other one or more embodiments.

[0212] The above detailed description includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The accompanying drawings illustrate specific examples in which the present subject matter can be practiced. These examples are also referred to as "examples" in this article. Such examples can include elements other than the elements shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate providing examples of only those elements shown or described therein. In addition, with respect to specific examples (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein, the inventors also contemplate examples of any combination or arrangement of those elements (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described.

[0213] In the event of an inconsistency in usage between this document and any document incorporated by reference, the usage of this document shall control.

[0214] In the following claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" are open-ended, that is, systems, devices, articles, compositions, formulas, or processes that include elements other than those listed after such terms in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of the claim. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0215] The above description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other examples can be used, for example, by a person of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the above description. The abstract is provided to comply with the provisions of 37 CFR § 1.72 (b) so that the reader can quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. The premise of submitting this abstract is that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above detailed description, various features may be combined together to simplify the present disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that the disclosed features that are not claimed for protection are essential to any claim. On the contrary, the subject matter of the invention may be less than all the features of a specific disclosed example. Therefore, the attached claims are incorporated into the detailed description as examples or configurations, each claim exists independently as a separate example, and it is envisioned that these examples can be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of this subject matter should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the scope of all equivalents enjoyed by these claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus having a replaceable component, the apparatus comprising: Support structure; a housing coupled to the support structure, wherein the housing is configured to receive at least one component; a plurality of sensor operators coupled to the at least one component; a plurality of sensors coupled to the appliance, wherein the plurality of sensors are configured to detect displacement of the plurality of sensor operators; a control unit in communication with the plurality of sensors, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a configuration of the at least one component; a manual release bracket adapted to selectively engage the one or more latches in an unlocked configuration to unlock the assembly; a manual release sensor operator coupled to the manual release bracket; a manual release sensor coupled to the appliance, wherein the manual release sensor is configured to detect displacement of the manual release sensor operator; and Wherein the control unit is in communication with the manual release sensor, and wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a manual override based on the manual release bracket being engaged with the one or more latches in the unlocked configuration.

2. The appliance of claim 1 further comprising a work surface supported by the support structure.

3. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the housing is a drawer housing.

4. The appliance of claim 3, wherein the component is a drawer.

5. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the housing is a storage compartment.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one component comprises at least one of a computer, a data storage device, a printer, a charger, a data cable, a scanner, or an electronic device.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is a battery holding bracket.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one component is a battery.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is an accessory holding bracket.

10. The appliance of claim 9, wherein the component comprises at least one of a scanner, a wipe container, a temperature sensor, a thermal imager, or a storage compartment.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a Hall effect sensor, a potentiometer, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an IR sensor, a motion detector, a force sensor, a contact sensor, a current sensor, or an optical sensor.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A wheeled base, wherein the support structure is coupled to the wheeled base.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A movable bracket is slidably coupled to the support structure.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: A lift assembly is provided, wherein the lift assembly is coupled between the movable bracket and the support structure, and wherein the lift assembly is configured to translate the housing relative to the support structure.

15. An appliance having a replaceable component, the appliance comprising: Support structure; a housing coupled to the support structure, wherein the housing is configured to receive at least one component; a lock assembly having one or more latches, wherein the one or more latches are adapted to engage with the at least one component in a locked configuration and to disengage from the at least one component in an unlocked configuration; a plurality of sensor operators coupled to the one or more latches; a plurality of sensors coupled to the appliance, wherein the plurality of sensors are configured to detect displacement of the plurality of sensor operators; a control unit in communication with the plurality of sensors, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a configuration of the one or more latches when the one or more latches are in the locked configuration or the unlocked configuration; a manual release bracket adapted to selectively engage the one or more latches in an unlocked configuration to unlock the assembly; a manual release sensor operator coupled to the manual release bracket; a manual release sensor coupled to the appliance, wherein the manual release sensor is configured to detect displacement of the manual release sensor operator; and Wherein the control unit is in communication with the manual release sensor, and wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a manual override based on the manual release bracket being engaged with the one or more latches in the unlocked configuration.

16. A workstation comprising a drawer system, the workstation comprising: Support structure; a work surface coupled to the support structure; a drawer housing coupled to the support structure, wherein the drawer housing is configured to receive a plurality of drawers; a plurality of sensor operators coupled to the plurality of drawers; a plurality of sensors coupled to the drawer housing, wherein the plurality of sensors are configured to detect displacement of the plurality of sensor operators; a control unit in communication with the plurality of sensors and configured to determine a configuration of at least one of the plurality of drawers; a manual release bracket adapted to selectively engage the one or more latches in an unlocked configuration to unlock the drawer; a manual release sensor operator coupled to the manual release bracket; a manual release sensor coupled to the workstation, wherein the manual release sensor is configured to detect displacement of the manual release sensor operator; Wherein the control unit is in communication with the manual release sensor, and wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a manual override based on the manual release bracket being engaged with the one or more latches in the unlocked configuration.

17. The workstation of claim 16, further comprising: A wheeled base, wherein the support structure is coupled to the wheeled base.

18. The workstation of claim 16, further comprising: A movable bracket is slidably coupled to the support structure.

19. The workstation of claim 18, further comprising: A lift assembly is provided, wherein the lift assembly is coupled between the movable bracket and the support structure, and wherein the lift assembly is configured to translate the drawer housing relative to the support structure.

20. The workstation of claim 18, wherein: The plurality of sensors include at least one of a Hall effect sensor, a potentiometer, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an IR sensor, a motion detector, a force sensor, a contact sensor, a current sensor, or an optical sensor.

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