Mobile Workstation Battery Bay and Runtime Feedback for Fulfillment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile battery powered workstation carts have limited battery life, which hampers efficient workflow in warehouse and retail operations, and lack integrated features like voice-activated smart hubs, RFID, GPS, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities, making them less effective for order fulfillment and other tasks.
Innovation Solution
A mobile battery powered workstation with a sliding battery power bay for easy battery replacement, an adjustable height column for ergonomic use, and integrated technology bay for RFID, Wi-Fi, BLE, and GPS, along with a glass overlay display for haptic feedback on battery life, and a method to calculate remaining battery runtime by determining the set power consumption rate and applying a custom algorithm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If current mobile battery powered workstation carts are used, then basic mobility is provided, but battery life is limited and workflow efficiency is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and displays estimated remaining battery runtime based on current power consumption rates before the battery actually depletes. This allows users to plan their workflow and recharge or replace batteries proactively, preventing unexpected interruptions and maintaining continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual power consumption of all connected devices and provides real-time feedback through the glass overlay display. This feedback loop allows dynamic adjustment of device power settings and battery usage strategies to maximize operational duration while maintaining essential functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices are integrated into the workstation cart, then operational capability is enhanced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables selective activation of electronic devices and accessories based on current task requirements. Users can power on only the necessary devices (e.g., monitor, printer, RFID reader) for each specific workflow, rather than having all devices running simultaneously, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full operational versatility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption parameters by monitoring the operational state of each connected device and calculating the total power draw. Based on this analysis, the system can put devices into low-power modes or suspend non-essential functions when full capability is not required, optimizing the balance between adaptability and energy usage.
3Ease of operation
If fixed location stations are used for receiving and sending shipments, then equipment stability is maintained, but employee mobility is reduced and time is wasted walking
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile workstation cart consolidates multiple previously stationary functions (computer, printer, labels, supplies, scanning devices, RFID reader) into a single mobile platform. This merging allows employees to perform all order fulfillment tasks at the point of need, eliminating the need to walk to separate stations and significantly reducing time loss while maintaining full operational capability.
4Productivity
If advanced technologies like RFID, GPS, and voice-activated smart hub are integrated, then operational efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple advanced technologies (RFID reader, GPS locator, voice-activated smart hub, Wi-Fi, BLE) into a single universal mobile workstation platform. These diverse functions share common hardware resources and are managed through a unified control system, reducing the overall complexity that would result from having separate devices for each function while maximizing operational efficiency through multi-functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are mobile battery powered workstations, methods of operating these workstations to increase warehouse and retail efficiency (through improved order fulfillment, as a mobile shipping & receiving station, mobile inventory management, and/or as mobile powered quality analysis stations), and methods of calculating remaining battery runtime for these workstations. A mobile battery powered workstation may comprise a wheeled base having a modular battery power bay, an upper workstation having a monitor, a computer, a printer, and at least one adjustable height column coupling the wheeled base to the upper workstation. The workstation may also include a glass overlay display positioned on a top surface of the upper workstation area and configured to provide order fulfillment employees with haptic feedback on remaining battery runtime, calculated via an algorithm for increased accuracy. These workstations may be used in warehouses and retail operations for order picking and fulfillment, shipping and receiving tasks, etc.