Portable workstation with integrated power source and tilt-top chassis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laptops and other portable electronic devices often lack sufficient battery capacity for a full day's use, and recharging via wired connections creates tripping hazards and disruptions due to limited access to external power sources in environments like classrooms and offices.
Innovation Solution
A portable workstation with an integrated battery pack that powers electronic devices directly, featuring a tiltable work surface and wheels for mobility, allowing continuous use without external power sources and enabling easy recharging through a docking station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laptops are recharged via wired connections to wall outlets, then power supply is maintained, but tripping hazards and disruptions occur due to limited access to external power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile workstation with an integrated battery pack as an intermediary between the wall outlet and the laptop. The workstation includes a battery pack that can be recharged from wall outlets and then provides power to the laptop through wireless or wired connections, eliminating the need for extension cords to reach the laptop directly. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining power supply reliability while removing the tripping hazard caused by extension cords.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the power supply function into two separate components: a mobile workstation containing the battery pack that can be moved to the user's location, and the laptop that receives power from this mobile unit. This segmentation allows the heavy battery-containing unit to be positioned away from walkways while the lightweight laptop remains accessible, thus maintaining power continuity without creating tripping hazards.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend usage time, then duration of action is improved, but weight and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a separate mobile workstation unit rather than being integrated into the laptop. This allows the battery pack to be sized for full-day usage without constraining the laptop's portability, as the heavy battery-containing unit can be left at a charging location while the lightweight laptop is carried. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by decoupling battery capacity from laptop weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile workstation acts as an intermediary that houses the heavy battery pack, allowing the laptop to remain lightweight and portable. The battery-containing mediator unit can be stationary at a desk or charging location, while the laptop is freely movable, thus achieving extended usage duration without compromising laptop portability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the work surface is made tiltable for storage and reconfiguration, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface panel is designed with dynamic tilting capability, allowing it to rotate between a horizontal working position and a vertical storage position. This dynamic feature enables the workstation to adapt to different usage scenarios and storage requirements. The tilting mechanism, while adding some complexity, provides significant versatility in how the workstation can be used and stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The tiltable panel design provides multi-functionality by enabling the work surface to serve both as a horizontal workspace and as a vertical storage surface. When tilted vertically, the panel can store items or be positioned against a wall for compact storage. This universal design resolves the contradiction by making the single structure serve multiple functions despite the added mechanical complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables uninterrupted device use throughout the day by providing a self-sufficient power source, reducing tripping hazards, and facilitating easy reconfiguration and storage of the workstation.
Implementation Method 1
A battery pack is accommodated at the portable workstation. The battery pack is configured to electrically power an electronic device at the workstation.
Implementation Method 2
The base includes a plurality of wheels for moving the portable workstation within an environment.
Implementation Method 3
A panel is adjustably mounted relative to the base between (i) a use position, where the panel is in a generally horizontal orientation, and (ii) a non-use position, where the panel is in a generally vertical orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable workstation includes a base that includes a plurality of wheels for moving the portable workstation within an environment. A panel is adjustably mounted at the base and is adjustable relative to the base between (i) a use position, where the panel is in a generally horizontal orientation, and (ii) a non-use position, where the panel is in a generally vertical orientation. A battery pack is accommodated at the portable workstation. The battery pack is configured to electrically power an electronic device at the portable workstation.