Mobile Workstation Removable Battery Hot-Swapping System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile workstations in healthcare environments face downtime and inconvenience due to the need for rechargeable batteries, which require lengthy recharging periods and often necessitate extra workstations to ensure continuous use, as existing battery switching systems are cumbersome and risky with heavy batteries.
Innovation Solution
A mobile workstation with a power system featuring a removable battery assembly that docks into a battery docking station, allowing seamless battery swapping without powering down the device, using lightweight lithium polymer batteries and a smart battery management system to optimize charging cycles and reduce variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional rechargeable batteries are used in mobile workstations, then the workstation can operate without wall outlet connection, but the workstation experiences downtime during lengthy recharging periods
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple independent battery assemblies (primary and secondary batteries) that can be independently managed. The primary battery provides extended operation while the secondary battery serves as a hot-swappable replacement, eliminating the need to idle the workstation during recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary battery is pre-charged and held in readiness in the battery docking station before the primary battery is depleted. This preliminary preparation allows immediate replacement without waiting for recharging, thus eliminating downtime.
2Duration of action of moving object
If heavy conventional batteries are used for extended operation, then the operation duration increases, but the battery becomes difficult and dangerous to handle and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The total battery capacity needed for extended operation is divided into two separate battery assemblies of manageable size and weight. Each battery can be easily handled and replaced by facility personnel, eliminating the safety risks associated with handling heavy conventional batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies using lithium polymer batteries with a power-to-weight ratio of about five Amp-hours per pound or greater, which provides high energy density while maintaining lightweight construction for safe and easy handling.
3Loss of time
If battery switching is implemented to eliminate recharging downtime, then operational continuity improves, but the system complexity increases with additional battery components
Solution Approach 1:
The battery docking station serves multiple functions: it acts as a mounting structure for the secondary battery, a charging station for the secondary battery, and a hot-swapping interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary battery is nested within the battery docking station, which is integrated into the mobile workstation structure. This nested arrangement allows the secondary battery to be held in readiness and quickly exchanged without requiring separate storage or handling mechanisms.
4Productivity
If frequent battery replacement is required to maintain continuous operation, then operational availability improves, but the frequency of manual intervention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is designed to dynamically adapt to battery status changes. When the primary battery is depleted, the system automatically switches to the secondary battery through the battery docking station interface, minimizing the need for manual intervention while maintaining continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile workstation includes a frame having a wheeled base, a power system resident on the mobile workstation and a battery docking station having a holster which defines a guide. The mobile workstation further includes a removable battery assembly configured to dock with the battery docking station via engagement in the guide, and having a housing with a shape complementary to a shape of the guide and an external contour configured to mate with an internal contour of the guide.