Handle-Detected Swappable Battery Pack for Mobile Workstations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile workstations in healthcare settings face downtime and inconvenience due to the need for rechargeable batteries, which require lengthy recharging periods and often necessitate extra units to ensure continuous use, as existing battery switching solutions are cumbersome and unsafe due to the weight and handling issues of conventional batteries.

Innovation Solution

A power supply unit with a removable battery system that includes a handle and a detector for user interaction, allowing seamless battery swapping without powering down the workstation, using lightweight batteries and a docking station system that reduces charging cycle variability and eliminates the need for wall outlet recharging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rechargeable batteries are used to power mobile workstations, then the workstations can operate without wall outlets, but the workstations experience downtime during lengthy recharging periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile operation capabilityVSAvoidrecharging downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple interchangeable battery units. Instead of a single large battery requiring long recharging time, the system uses multiple smaller battery modules that can be swapped independently, allowing one battery to be recharged while another is in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a battery swapping mechanism where depleted batteries are quickly replaced with charged ones. The discarded depleted batteries are then recovered and recharged separately, eliminating the downtime that would occur if the workstation itself needed to be recharged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Power

If conventional heavy batteries are used in mobile workstations, then sufficient power can be provided, but the batteries become difficult and dangerous to handle and replace

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power outputVSAvoidbattery handling safety

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The total power requirement is divided across multiple smaller battery modules. Each module contains less energy and weighs less than a single conventional battery, making them safe and easy to handle while collectively providing sufficient power to the workstation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A docking station with automatic detection and switching mechanisms serves as an intermediary between the batteries and the workstation. This mediator handles the complex power management and switching operations, allowing users to simply swap battery modules without dealing with electrical connections or safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple extra workstations are deployed to ensure continuous availability, then uninterrupted service can be maintained, but the cost and complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous availabilityVSAvoidfleet management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of duplicating entire workstations, the system segments the power supply function into interchangeable battery modules. A single workstation can achieve continuous availability by swapping power modules rather than requiring multiple complete workstation units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery modules are designed as universal, standardized units that can be used across multiple workstations. A single charged battery module can serve any workstation in the fleet, reducing the need for workstation-specific backup units and simplifying fleet management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of time

If battery switching is implemented to eliminate recharging downtime, then continuous operation is possible, but the switching process becomes cumbersome and requires powering down the workstation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidbattery switching convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Batteries are pre-charged in advance at the docking station before being needed. The docking station monitors battery charge status and prepares charged modules ahead of time, so when a battery swap is needed, an immediately available charged battery is already in position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station performs automatic functions including detecting when a battery swap is needed, switching power connections, and managing the charging process. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually power down the workstation or manage complex switching procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20090212848A1Power supply unit for mobile workstation and method

Publication Date: 2009.08.27 PNC BANK NA

AI summary

A power supply unit for a mobile computerized device includes a housing having a handle, a battery positioned within the housing, and a detector configured to detect user interaction with the handle. The power supply unit may comprise a removable power supply unit for a mobile computerized device, having a detector generating a signal in response to detecting user interaction with the handle.