Patent Description:
This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to modular construction and operation of appliances.

Appliances can be freestanding (e.g., cabinets supported by a floor or a desk), coupled to a structure (e.g., cabinets coupled to a wall), or mobile (e.g., workstations coupled to a wheeled base). Appliances can be used to accomplish one or more tasks (e.g., medication delivery, collection of electronic medical records, patient care, manufacturing operations, or the like). Various external components (e.g., drawers, bins, batteries, scanners, wipes containers, computers, or the like) can be coupled to the appliance depending on the task they will perform.

Document <CIT> relates to a medical technology station and a method for using the medical technology cart. The station can be a portable cart that can be movable, such as rollable, and has a computer system. Attached to the cart is a housing that communicates with the computer system. Insertable in the housing is a cassette system that includes a series of drawers. The drawers are openable and preferably closeable on command from a user. The drawers have a readable unique drawer identifier that is readable by sensors in the cassette. The cassette also preferably includes proximity sensors, while the drawers contain a target for the proximity sensors. In use, an operator, with proper credentials, can, though the computer system, identify a drawer to be opened by the computer system. The cassette and drawers can be removed from the housing and transported to another location for filling of the drawers with medications or other supplies.

Document <CIT> shows a storage device having a locking mechanism, which includes a housing having a frame assembly. A storage device is movably received in the housing. An actuator is connected to the frame assembly, the actuator operating to move a cam member. A latch is connected to the frame assembly and is moved by contact with the cam member from a latched position preventing access to the storage device in the housing to an unlatched position permitting access to the storage device. An unlock-all mechanism operates to move the latch to the unlatched position without operation of the actuator.

It relates to an appliance with changeable components as defined in claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

The following drawings are illustrative of particular non-limiting example configurations of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Example configurations of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various configurations discussed in the present document.

This disclosure relates to an appliance and a method to automatically detect a configuration of the appliance. The appliance can be in various shapes and forms including, but not limited to, a workstation, a furniture, a cabinet, a computing cart, a charging station, or the like. The appliance can be used to perform various tasks including, but not limited to, medication delivery, collection of electronic medical records, patient care, manufacturing operations, and others. The appliance can be configured and reconfigured by adding or removing components depending on the task to be performed by the appliance. These changeable components (e.g., modules) can include, but not limited to, drawers, bins, document holders, batteries, computers, and others. Various sensors (e.g., an optical sensors, 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 the like) can be coupled to the appliance, and matching sensor operators (e.g., magnets, color coded strips, or the like) can be coupled to the modules. Sensor operators can be uniquely arranged to represent various types and configurations of modules (e.g., different size and location of drawers, or the like). By aligning sensor operators with sensors when modules are coupled to the appliance, type, configuration, and location of various modules can be automatically detected by the controller of the appliance. The controller of the appliance can then adapt to perform certain tasks (e.g., lock/unlock different size and shape drawers, or the like) depending on the detected configuration of modules.

The following detailed description is illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing various configurations of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the invention.

This disclosure describes the construction of an appliance (e.g., a cabinet <NUM>, a mobile workstation <NUM>, or the like) in <FIG> according to some example configurations of the current disclosure.

The appliance (e.g., the cabinet <NUM> of <FIG>, the workstation <NUM> of <FIG>, or the like) can include one or more modules (e.g., drawer housings <NUM> of <FIG>, or drawer housings <NUM> of <FIG>, or the like). This disclosure describes the construction and coupling of one or more drawer housings <NUM> to the workstation <NUM> in <FIG> according to some example configurations of the current disclosure.

One or more drawers can be contained inside the one or more drawer housings <NUM>. Various drawer configurations are described in <FIG>.

Operation and control of the drawers according to dynamic addressing method is described in <FIG>.

The drawer housing can further include a lock assembly <NUM>. This disclosure describes the construction and operation of the lock assembly <NUM> in <FIG>.

This disclosure also describes various techniques to automatically determine a configuration (e.g., size, location, or the like) of the drawers in <FIG> and in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a cabinet <NUM>. The cabinet <NUM> can include a frame <NUM>. An upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM> opposite the upper surface <NUM> can be coupled to the frame <NUM>. The cabinet <NUM> can further include a left-side wall <NUM>, a right-side wall <NUM> and a rear wall <NUM>. A left door <NUM> and a right door <NUM> can be built into the front side <NUM> of the cabinet. The upper surface <NUM>, the lower surface <NUM>, the left-side wall <NUM>, the right-side wall <NUM>, the rear wall <NUM>, and left door <NUM> and the right door <NUM> can form an enclosure of the cabinet <NUM>. The left door <NUM> and the right door <NUM> can be in an open configuration or in a closed configuration. In the open configuration of the left <NUM> and right <NUM> doors as illustrated in <FIG>, various modules (e.g., drawer housings <NUM>, or the like) can be inserted into the enclosure of the cabinet <NUM>. In the closed configuration (not shown), modules can be securely contained in the enclosure of the cabinet <NUM>. In some example configurations, a lock (not shown in <FIG>) can be coupled to the left door <NUM> and the right door <NUM> to prevent them from opening. In some example configurations, the one or more drawers in various sizes and shapes (e.g., a small drawer <NUM>, a large drawer <NUM>, or the like) can be inserted into the drawer housing <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side view of an example of a mobile workstation <NUM>. The mobile workstation <NUM> can include a wheeled base <NUM>, and includes a support structure <NUM> (e.g., a fixed-height riser, or a telescoping riser, or the like) can be coupled to the wheeled base <NUM>. A moving bracket (not shown in <FIG>) can be slidably engaged with the support structure <NUM>. A head unit assembly <NUM> and a cable storage box <NUM> can be coupled to the moving bracket n some example configurations. The cable storage box <NUM> can retain one or more cables and power connectors (e.g., a power outlet strip). In some example configurations, the mobile workstation <NUM> can include a handle <NUM> to facilitate transportation of the workstation <NUM>.

A counterbalance mechanism <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) can be coupled to the support structure <NUM> and can be coupled to the moving bracket. As described herein, the counterbalance mechanism <NUM> can provide height adjustment for the moving bracket. The distance between the wheeled base <NUM>, and the head unit assembly <NUM> can be selectively adjusted by translating the moving bracket with respect to the wheeled base along a portion of the support structure <NUM>.

The head unit assembly <NUM> can include a worksurface <NUM> and a computer storage compartment <NUM>. For instance, the computer storage compartment <NUM> can be located beneath the worksurface <NUM>. Additionally, a keyboard tray <NUM> can be located below the computer storage compartment <NUM>. A keyboard tray arm assembly <NUM> can be coupled to the head unit assembly <NUM>, and to the keyboard tray <NUM>. The keyboard tray arm assembly <NUM> can provide some articulation for the keyboard tray <NUM> relative to the worksurface <NUM>.

The mobile workstation <NUM> of <FIG> further includes a drawer housing <NUM>. The one or more drawers can be located inside the drawer housing to store items, e.g., medicine or other medical equipment. In some configurations, the one or more drawers can be locked inside the drawer housing <NUM> to secure various items contained inside the one or more drawers.

A display mount assembly <NUM> can be coupled to the mobile workstation <NUM>. For instance, the display mount assembly <NUM> can be located above the worksurface <NUM>. The display mount assembly <NUM> can include a display mount <NUM>, a display arm assembly <NUM> and a display mounting riser <NUM>. The display mounting riser <NUM> can be coupled to the head unit <NUM>. The display arm assembly <NUM> can be coupled to the display mounting riser <NUM> and to the display mount <NUM>. The display arm assembly <NUM> can provide some articulation for the display mount <NUM> relative to the display mounting riser <NUM>. A display (not shown in <FIG>) can be coupled to the display mount <NUM> to position the display above the worksurface <NUM>. In some examples, the display mounting riser <NUM> can provide height adjustment for the display relative to the worksurface <NUM>.

The mobile workstation <NUM> of <FIG> can further include a power system <NUM>. The power system <NUM> of the mobile workstation <NUM> can include a resident battery <NUM>, e.g., located inside a housing <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM>. A power module housing <NUM> and a battery connection housing <NUM> can be coupled to a rear side of the support structure <NUM>. A power module <NUM> can be located inside the power module housing <NUM>, e.g., inside a vertical portion of the power module housing <NUM>. A replaceable battery <NUM> can be removably coupled to the battery connection housing <NUM>.

The power module <NUM> can include an AC/DC power supply, an inverter, a battery charging circuit, and a controller (none of which are shown in <FIG>), such as shown in commonly assigned <CIT>.

The controller can be in electrical communication with the resident battery <NUM> and replaceable battery <NUM> to provide electrical power for the electronic components (e.g., computer, display, among other things,) coupled to the mobile workstation <NUM> according to a pre-defined logic.

<FIG> is a partial rear cutaway view of the mobile workstation <NUM> of <FIG>. As seen in <FIG>, the support structure <NUM> can include a counterbalance mechanism <NUM> having a spring <NUM> (e.g., an extension spring, or compression spring), and a cam/wheel assembly <NUM>. The counterbalance mechanism <NUM> can be operatively coupled to the support structure <NUM> and to the moving bracket (not shown in <FIG>), and can provide a counterbalance lift force for at least a portion of the total weight of various components coupled to the head unit assembly <NUM> (e.g., head unit assembly <NUM>, display mounting assembly <NUM>, display, keyboard, drawer housing <NUM>, drawers and their content, other medical equipment located on the worksurface <NUM>, and the like) throughout the height adjustment.

In the example shown in <FIG>, a coiled power cord <NUM> can be located inside the support structure <NUM>. One end of the coiled power cord <NUM> can be coupled to the power module <NUM> and the other end of the coiled power cord <NUM> can be coupled to an outlet strip, e.g., located inside the head unit assembly <NUM>. The coiled power cord <NUM> can expand and contract during the height adjustment of the head unit <NUM> and can provide power to various electronic devices electrically coupled to the head unit assembly <NUM>, e.g., computing devices and electronic displays.

<FIG> is a side view of the computer storage compartment <NUM> of the mobile workstation <NUM> of <FIG>. The computer storage compartment <NUM> can be an enclosed space to store and secure electronic components including (but not limited to) a computer, one or more cables, a charger, a power brick, and others. The computer storage compartment <NUM> can include a lower surface <NUM>, a front wall <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM>, and a right and a left side walls connecting the front <NUM> and rear <NUM> walls. The front wall, the rear wall, the right-side wall, and the left-side wall extend from the lower surface <NUM> in transverse direction. The worksurface <NUM> can be removably coupled to the upper end of the computer storage compartment <NUM>. In some example configurations, the computer storage compartment <NUM> can include a lock (not shown in <FIG>). The lock can selectively engage with or disengage from the worksurface <NUM>. When it is engaged, the lock can prevent the worksurface <NUM> to be removed from the computer storage compartment <NUM>.

In some example configurations, the lower surface <NUM> of the computer storage compartment <NUM> can include a recessed section <NUM> proximate the rear wall <NUM>. The lower end of the recessed section <NUM> can include a bottom surface <NUM>. The bottom surface <NUM> can include one or more features to couple the computer storage compartment <NUM> to the mobile workstation <NUM> as discussed below in this disclosure.

The bottom surface <NUM> can include an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can align with the cable storage box <NUM>, and it can provide a cable routing channel between the cables stored inside the cable storage box <NUM> and various electronic equipment located inside the computer storage compartment <NUM>. The bottom surface <NUM> can further include one or more recesses <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The one or more recesses <NUM> can align with one or more connectors (e.g., a first mechanical connector <NUM> and a second mechanical connector <NUM> of <FIG>) located on the drawer housing <NUM> when the drawer housing <NUM> is coupled to the workstation <NUM>.

A control unit housing <NUM> can be coupled to the front wall <NUM> of the computer storage compartment <NUM>. In some example configurations, the control unit housing <NUM> can be formed as an integral part of the computer storage compartment <NUM>. A central control unit <NUM> can be located inside the control unit housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. The central control unit <NUM> can perform various workstation functions including (but not limited to) work surface height adjustment, battery monitoring, drawer control, and others.

The control unit housing <NUM> can have an upper surface <NUM>. A touch sensitive LCD screen <NUM> can be located beneath the upper surface <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> can be made of a non-glare glass to make the LCD screen <NUM> easily visible to the user of the mobile workstation <NUM>.

The LCD screen <NUM><NUM> can be coupled to the central control unit <NUM>. The user of the mobile workstation <NUM> can perform various workstation functions by interacting with the touch sensitive LCD screen <NUM>. In some example configurations, the upper surface <NUM> of the control unit housing <NUM> can be inclined towards the user to improve the visibility of the contents of the LCD screen <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a sub-assembly including the cable storage box <NUM>, the drawer housing <NUM>, and the computer storage compartment <NUM> of the mobile workstation <NUM> of <FIG>, respectively. The cable storage box <NUM> can include a front wall <NUM> and a rear wall <NUM> opposite the front wall <NUM>. A right wall <NUM> and a left wall <NUM> opposite the right wall <NUM> can connect the front wall <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM>. In some example configurations, the right wall <NUM> and the left wall <NUM> can have an angle <NUM> relative to the front wall <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The front wall <NUM>, the rear wall <NUM>, the right wall <NUM>, and the left wall can form an interior space of the cable storage box <NUM>.

The cable storage box <NUM> can be elongated in a vertical direction from a lower end <NUM> to an upper end <NUM>. The rear wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be located in close proximity to the support structure <NUM>. One or more upper extension arms <NUM> and one or more lower extension arms <NUM> can be built into the rear wall <NUM>. In some example configurations, the upper extension arms <NUM> and the lower extension arms <NUM> can be connected to each other to form a single elongated extension arm.

The upper extension arm <NUM> and the lower extension arm <NUM> can be inserted in an interior space of the support structure <NUM> through an opening located on the front face <NUM> of the support structure <NUM>, and they can be coupled to the support structure <NUM> as it will be discussed below in this disclosure. In some example configurations, the rear wall <NUM>, the upper <NUM> and the lower <NUM> extension arms of the cable storage box <NUM> can form the moving bracket. The counterbalance mechanism <NUM> of <FIG> can be coupled between the support structure <NUM> and the moving bracket (e.g., cable storage box <NUM>). The cable storage box <NUM> can move along at least a portion of the support structure <NUM> to adjust a height of the cable storage box <NUM> (e.g., adjust a distance between the cable storage box <NUM> and the base <NUM> of the mobile workstation <NUM>). Similarly, the height of any components that are coupled to the cable storage box <NUM> (e.g., the computer storage compartment <NUM>, or the drawer housing <NUM>) can also be adjusted as the height of the cable storage box <NUM> is adjusted.

The bottom surface <NUM> of the recessed section <NUM> of the computer storage compartment <NUM> can be rested against the upper end <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM>. The computer storage compartment <NUM> can be coupled to the upper end <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> using known mechanical attachment methods (e.g., screws).

A cap <NUM> can be coupled to the lower end of the cable storage box <NUM>. The lower end <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be covered by the cap <NUM>, and the upper end <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be covered by the computer storage compartment <NUM> to completely enclose the interior space of the cable storage box <NUM>. The drawer housing <NUM> can be coupled to the front wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> as described below.

<FIG> is a top view of the sub-assembly of <FIG>. The rear wall <NUM> of the computer storage compartment <NUM> can be located in close proximity to the support structure <NUM>. The cable storage box <NUM> is hidden under the computer storage compartment <NUM> in <FIG>. However, the upper extension arms <NUM> extending away from the rear wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> are visible. The upper extension arms <NUM> can be inserted into the internal space of the support structure <NUM> through one or more openings on the front face <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The recessed section <NUM> of the computer storage compartment <NUM> can at least partially overlap with the cable storage box <NUM>. The upper end <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be in contact with the bottom surface <NUM> of the recessed section <NUM> of the computer storage compartment <NUM>. One or more apertures <NUM> can be formed on the bottom surface <NUM>.

<FIG> are the top view and the perspective view, respectively, of the cable storage box <NUM> of <FIG> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. The upper extension arm <NUM> and the lower extension arm <NUM> can be formed as an integral part of the cable storage box <NUM>. The upper <NUM> and the lower <NUM> extension arms can be connected via the rear wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM>. One or more first mounting holes <NUM> can be formed as part of the cable storage box. The one or more first mounting holes <NUM> can be used to couple the computer storage compartment <NUM> to the cable storage box <NUM>. The one or more apertures <NUM> located on the computer storage compartment <NUM> can align with the one or more first mounting holes <NUM> located on the cable storage box <NUM>, and one or more screws (not shown in <FIG>) can be inserted through the one or more apertures <NUM> to threadingly engage with the one or more first mounting holes <NUM> to securely couple the computer storage compartment <NUM> to the cable storage box <NUM>. The cable storage box <NUM> can further include one or more second mounting holes <NUM> that can be formed as part of the upper <NUM> and lower <NUM> extension arms. The one or more second mounting holes <NUM> can be used to couple the cable storage box <NUM> to the support structure <NUM>.

In some example configurations, there can be an opening on one or both of the right wall <NUM> and the left wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> (e.g., opening <NUM> located on the left side wall <NUM>). The opening <NUM> can allow the user to access the content of the cable storage box <NUM>. In some example configurations, a door <NUM> can be coupled to the cable storage box <NUM> where the opening <NUM> is located (e.g., the door <NUM> can be rotatingly coupled with the cable storage box <NUM> at a hinge <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>). The door <NUM> can selectively allow access to an interior space of the cable storage box <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. A lock (not shown) can be used to lock the door <NUM> to prevent it from opening by unauthorized users.

In some example configurations, the moving bracket <NUM> and the cable storage box <NUM> can be formed independently as illustrated in <FIG>. The moving bracket <NUM> and the cable storage box <NUM> can be coupled during the assembly process, e.g., as a sub-assembly.

<FIG> are the top view and perspective cutaway view of the sub-assembly of the cable storage box <NUM> and the support structure <NUM>, respectively. Sections of the cable storage box <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> are removed in <FIG> to show the coupling between the cable storage box <NUM> and the support structure <NUM>. One or more elongated gliders <NUM> (e.g., a ball slide) can be coupled to the support structure <NUM>. The one or more gliders <NUM> can be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the support structure <NUM>. The one or more upper extension arms <NUM> and the one or more lower extension arms <NUM> can be inserted into an interior space of the support structure <NUM> and they can be coupled to the one or more gliders <NUM>.

The sub-assembly of the cable storage box <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> shown in <FIG> can further include one or more U-shaped connecting brackets <NUM>. The one or more U-shaped connecting brackets <NUM> can be coupled to the glider <NUM>. The one or more U-shaped connecting brackets <NUM> can capture the upper and lower ends of the upper extension arm <NUM> and the lower extension arm <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. At least one aperture <NUM> can be formed on the U-shaped connecting bracket <NUM>. A screw (not shown) can be inserted through at least one aperture <NUM> and threadingly engage with the one or more second mounting holes <NUM> that are located on the upper <NUM> and lower <NUM> extension arms. Through the sub-assembly of <FIG>, the cable storage box <NUM> can be coupled to the support structure <NUM>. The cable storage box <NUM> can move along at least a portion of the support structure <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the top view of the cable storage box <NUM> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. The right wall <NUM> and the left wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be inclined relative to the front wall <NUM>. An angle <NUM> can be formed between the right wall <NUM> or the left wall <NUM> and the front wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM>. A right corner <NUM> can be located at the intersection of the right wall <NUM> and the front wall <NUM>, and a left corner <NUM> can be located at the intersection of the right wall <NUM> and the front wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the top view of the drawer housing <NUM> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. The drawer housing <NUM> can have a front side <NUM>, and a rear wall <NUM> opposite the front side <NUM>. The rear wall <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM> can include a recessed section <NUM>. The recessed section <NUM> can be coupled to the rear wall <NUM> through a right connecting wall <NUM> and a left connecting wall <NUM>. The right connecting wall <NUM> and the left connecting wall <NUM> can be angled relative to the rear wall <NUM>. The angle between the right connecting wall <NUM> or the left connecting wall <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> can be in general the same as the angle <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM>. A right corner <NUM> can be formed at the intersection of the right connecting wall <NUM> with the recessed section <NUM>, and a left corner <NUM> can be formed at the intersection of the left connecting wall <NUM> with the recessed section <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the recessed section <NUM> and the right <NUM> and the left <NUM> connecting walls of the drawer housing <NUM> can be configured to receive the front wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM>. The front wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be inserted into the recessed section <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM> proximate the lower end <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM>. The drawer housing <NUM> can slide along the cable storage box <NUM> starting from the lower end <NUM> towards the upper end <NUM>. The drawer housing <NUM> can be secured to the cable storage box <NUM> at a desired location by means of mechanical fasteners as described below.

<FIG> is a close-up view of the coupling between the drawer housing <NUM> and the cable storage box <NUM>. The front wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be configured to be inserted into the recessed section <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM>. In the coupled configuration, the front wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be located in close proximity against the recessed section <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM>. The right comer <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be located proximate the right corner <NUM> of the recessed section <NUM>, and the left corner <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be located proximate the left corner <NUM> of the recessed section <NUM>.

In the coupled configuration, the right wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be proximate the right connecting wall <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM>, and the left wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be proximate the left connecting wall <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM>. Together the right connecting wall <NUM> and the left connecting wall <NUM> can form a wedge shape that can prevent the recessed section <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM> from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> once the cable storage box <NUM> is inserted into the recessed section <NUM>.

<FIG> is a close-up partial view of the coupling between the cable storage box <NUM> and the drawer housing <NUM> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. Only the right corner of the recessed section <NUM> and the cable storage box <NUM> are shown. The connection on the left side of the recessed section <NUM> can be similar. The front wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be inserted into the recessed section <NUM> between the right <NUM> and the left <NUM> connecting walls. The front wall <NUM> can be proximate the recessed section <NUM>, and the side wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be proximate the right connecting wall <NUM>.

In some example configurations, an opening <NUM> can be located over the one or both of the right <NUM> and the left <NUM> connecting walls. A latch <NUM> can be located behind the opening <NUM> on one or both sides of the recessed section <NUM>. The latch <NUM> can be inside the drawer housing <NUM> proximate the rear wall <NUM>. The latch <NUM> can be slidingly coupled to the drawer housing <NUM>. A pad <NUM> can be located in the opening <NUM> on one or both of the right <NUM> and the left <NUM> connecting walls and coupled to the latch <NUM>. The side walls <NUM> and <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> can be in contact with the pads <NUM>. A screw <NUM> can be rotatingly coupled with the drawer housing <NUM> and threadingly engaged with the latch <NUM>. The screw <NUM> can be rotated by the user of the drawer assembly <NUM> to move the latch <NUM> in the axial direction of the screw <NUM>.

When the drawer housing <NUM> is coupled to the cable storage box <NUM> and slid into the desired location as described earlier, the screw <NUM> can be rotated to push the latch <NUM> towards the cable storage box so that the pad <NUM> coupled to the latch <NUM> can apply pressure to the side wall <NUM> of the cable storage box <NUM> to secure it in the desired location.

<FIG> are upper and lower perspective view of the drawer housing <NUM> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. The drawer housing <NUM> can have a front side <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM> opposite the front side <NUM>, a right side <NUM> and a left side <NUM> opposite the right side <NUM>. The drawer housing <NUM> can further include an upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM>. The combination of the front side <NUM>, the rear wall <NUM>, the right side <NUM>, the left side <NUM>, the upper surface <NUM>, and the lower surface <NUM> can form an interior space <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM>. In some example configurations, one or more drawers with various sizes and shapes can be inserted into the interior space <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM> through the front side <NUM> as it will be discussed below.

The upper surface <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM> can include a first opening <NUM>, a second opening <NUM>, and a third opening <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM> can include a first recess <NUM> and a second recess <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of the drawer housing <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> of the drawer housing is removed to show the components under it. The drawer housing <NUM> can include a lock assembly <NUM>. The lock assembly <NUM> can include a first mechanical connector <NUM> and a second mechanical connector <NUM> and an electrical connector <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first <NUM> and the second <NUM> mechanical connectors can protrude through the first opening <NUM> and the third opening <NUM>, respectively. The electrical connector <NUM> can protrude through the second opening <NUM>. The mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM>, and the electrical connector <NUM> can connect the drawer housing <NUM> to the mobile workstation <NUM> of <FIG> as it will be discussed below.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the drawer housing <NUM> and the computer storage compartment <NUM> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the upper end of the one or more mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> extend above the upper surface <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM>. In the coupled configuration (e.g., the drawer housing <NUM> is coupled to the cable storage box <NUM> and slid towards the computer storage compartment <NUM>), the one or more mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can align with the one or more recesses <NUM> located on the bottom surface <NUM> of the recessed section <NUM> of the computer storage compartment <NUM>. A connector assembly <NUM> can be coupled to the mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM>. The connector assembly <NUM> can include a stud <NUM>. The stud <NUM> can be used to further secure the drawer housing <NUM> on to the mobile workstation <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a first drawer housing 160A and a second drawer housing 160B in a stacked configuration according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. Construction of the first drawer housing 160A and the second drawer housing 160B are the same as the construction of the drawer housing <NUM> discussed earlier. The first drawer housing 160A can be coupled to the cable storage box <NUM>, and it can be further secured to the computer storage compartment <NUM> through the one or more mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The second drawer housing 160B can also have one or more connectors similar to the mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> of the first drawer housing 160A. The second drawer housing 160B can be coupled to the cable storage box <NUM> and further secured to the first drawer housing 160A through the one or more connectors located on the second drawer housing 160B.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the coupling between the first drawer housing 160A and the second drawer housing 160B according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. A stud <NUM> can be located inside the one or more mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> of the first drawer housing 160A. The stud <NUM> can have a threaded shaft <NUM> located proximate to its upper end. The stud <NUM> can further have a threaded hole <NUM> located proximate to its lower end. The stud <NUM> can be rotatingly coupled with the mechanical connectors. In the coupled configuration as shown in <FIG> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure, the one or more mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can align with the one or more recesses <NUM> located on the bottom surface <NUM> of the recessed section <NUM> of the computer storage compartment <NUM>, and the upper end <NUM> of the stud <NUM> can threadingly engage with the computer storage compartment <NUM> to further secure the first drawer housing 160A on to the mobile workstation <NUM> of <FIG>.

After the first drawer housing 160A is coupled to the mobile workstation <NUM>, the second drawer housing 160B can be coupled to the cable storage box <NUM>. The lower end of the cable storage box <NUM> can be inserted into the recessed section <NUM> of the second drawer housing 160B. The second drawer housing 160B can be pushed up towards the first drawer housing 160A such that the upper surface <NUM> of the second drawer housing 160B can rest against the lower surface <NUM> of the first drawer housing 160A as illustrated in <FIG>. The one or more mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> of the second drawer housing 160B can be used to secure the second drawer housing 160B to the first drawer housing 160A.

A stud <NUM> can be located inside the mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> of the second drawer housing 160B. The stud <NUM> can have a threaded shaft <NUM> located proximate to its upper end. The stud <NUM> can further have a threaded hole <NUM> located proximate to its lower end. The stud <NUM> can be rotatingly coupled with the mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> of the second drawer housing 160B. In the coupled configuration as shown in <FIG>, the one or more mechanical connectors of the second drawer housing 160B can align with the first recess <NUM> and the second recess <NUM> located at the lower surface <NUM> of the first drawer housing 160A. The lower end of the stud <NUM> can be accessed through an opening <NUM> located at the lower surface <NUM> of the second drawer housing 160B. The stud <NUM> can be rotated so that the upper end <NUM> of the stud <NUM> can threadingly engage with the threaded hole <NUM> proximate the lower end of the stud <NUM> located inside the mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> of the first drawer housing 160A to further secure the second drawer housing 160B on to the mobile workstation <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. The connector assembly <NUM> can include a slider <NUM> and a spring <NUM> (e.g., a compression spring). The slider <NUM> and the spring <NUM> can be concentric with the stud <NUM>, and they can be movable relative to the stud <NUM>. The slider <NUM> can have keying features (not shown in <FIG>) to engage with the holding block <NUM> and the stud <NUM>.

The spring <NUM> can have an extended configuration and a contracted configuration. The spring <NUM> can be biased towards an extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the spring <NUM> can push the slider <NUM> towards the lower end of the stud <NUM>, and the slider <NUM> can be keyed into the holding block <NUM> and to the stud <NUM> at the same time so that the stud <NUM> can be prevented from turning. This is useful when a second drawer housing 160B is coupled to the first drawer housing 160A as illustrated in <FIG>.

When the second drawer housing 160B is coupled to the first drawer housing 160A, the mechanical connector, and thus, the upper end of the stud <NUM> of the second drawer housing 160B can be placed inside at least one of the first recess <NUM> and the second recess <NUM> of the first drawer housing 160A. The upper end of the stud <NUM> can threadingly engage with the lower end of the stud <NUM>. The stud <NUM> can be rotated to fasten the second drawer housing 160B to the first drawer housing 160A. During this fastening operation, it is desirable for the stud <NUM> to be prevented from rotating. The slider <NUM> can prevent the stud <NUM> from rotating as explained above.

In other applications, the stud <NUM> located inside the first drawer housing 160A needs to be rotated (e.g., during connecting or disconnecting the first drawer housing 160A from the workstation <NUM>). The slide <NUM> can be pushed against the spring <NUM> towards the upper end of the stud <NUM> to disengage the keying features of the slider <NUM> from the holding block <NUM> and the stud <NUM>. Once the keying features are disengaged, the stud <NUM> can be rotated freely.

In other example configurations, additional drawer housings can be coupled to the mobile workstation similarly as explained above.

<FIG> is a drawer housing <NUM> having four single-stall drawers <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. The upper surface of the drawer housing <NUM> is removed to show the drawers <NUM> located inside the drawer housing <NUM>. The drawer housing <NUM> can be sized and shaped to receive the one or more drawers <NUM>. The one or more drawers <NUM> can be inserted into the drawer housing <NUM> from the front side <NUM>, and they can slide relative to the drawer housing <NUM>. The lock assembly <NUM> can be located proximate the rear end of the drawer housing <NUM>. The drawer <NUM> can include a lock tab <NUM> located proximate its rear end. The lock tab <NUM> can engage with the lock assembly <NUM> when the drawer <NUM> is fully inserted into the drawer housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a drawer housing <NUM> with one single-stall drawer <NUM>. Upper and left side surfaces of the drawer housing <NUM>, and additional drawers are removed to display the internal components of the drawer housing <NUM>. The lock assembly <NUM> can include one or more latches <NUM>. The one or more latches <NUM> can be in-line with the lock tab <NUM> of the one or more drawers <NUM> located inside the drawer housing <NUM>. The one or more latches <NUM> can be activated by the user of the workstation <NUM> so that latches <NUM> can selectively engage or disengage with the lock tab <NUM> of each drawer <NUM> to secure them inside the drawer housing <NUM> or allow them to be at least partially pulled out of the drawer housing160 to expose their content.

In some example configurations, one or more dividers <NUM> can be inserted into the drawer <NUM> to partition the internal space of the drawer <NUM>. This can be useful to store various items in their own dedicated space to prevent them mixing up with other items (e.g., various medication).

<FIG> is a close-up view of the lock assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. Lock assembly <NUM> can be located inside the drawer housing <NUM> proximate the rear wall <NUM>. The lock assembly <NUM> can include a holding block <NUM> and a drawer controller <NUM>. The drawer controller <NUM> can be coupled to the holding block <NUM>. The one or more mechanical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can be formed as an integral part of the holding block <NUM>. An electrical connector <NUM> can be coupled to the holding block <NUM> and it can be electrically connected to the drawer controller <NUM>.

The lock assembly <NUM> includes one or more latches <NUM>. The one or more latches <NUM> can be coupled to the holding block <NUM> via one or more solenoid mounting assemblies <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a solenoid mounting assembly <NUM>. In an example configuration, the solenoid mounting assembly <NUM> can include a solenoid housing <NUM>, a solenoid body <NUM>, a solenoid rod <NUM>, and a compression spring <NUM>. The solenoid housing <NUM> can be coupled to the holding block <NUM>. The solenoid housing <NUM> can hold the solenoid body <NUM>. A solenoid rod <NUM> can be slidingly engaged with the solenoid body <NUM>. The solenoid rod <NUM> can move between an extended configuration and contracted configuration. The latch <NUM> can be coupled to the solenoid rod <NUM> and it can move relative to the solenoid body <NUM>. The compression spring <NUM> can be concentric with the solenoid rod <NUM> and it can be located between the solenoid body <NUM> and the latch <NUM>. The compression spring <NUM> biases the solenoid rod <NUM> towards the extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the latch <NUM> can be located further away from the solenoid body <NUM> compared to the contracted configuration.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the latch <NUM> according to an example configuration. The latch <NUM> can include a U-shaped latch body <NUM> including a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM> opposite the first side <NUM>, and a base <NUM> connecting the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>.

One or more latch arms (e.g., a first latch arm <NUM> and a second latch arm <NUM>) can be coupled to one or more sides of the U-shaped latch body (e.g., the first latch arm <NUM> can be coupled to the first side <NUM> and the second latch arm <NUM> can be coupled to the second side <NUM>). A tongue <NUM> can be coupled to the base <NUM> of the U-shaped latch body <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> can be configured to engage with the lock tab <NUM> of the drawer <NUM> to secure it inside the drawer housing <NUM>.

In an example configuration, the solenoid body <NUM> and the solenoid rod <NUM> can be located between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the U-shaped latch body <NUM>. The latch <NUM> can be coupled to the solenoid rod <NUM> and it can be configured to move with the solenoid rod <NUM>. A hole <NUM> can be formed on the base <NUM> of the latch body <NUM>, and a hexagonal shaped recess <NUM> can be formed around the hole <NUM> on one side of the latch body <NUM>.

<FIG> is single-stall (e.g., small, narrow, or the like) drawers according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. A single-stall drawer <NUM> can be formed in a quadrilateral cross-section (e.g., rectangular, square, or the like) having a right-side wall <NUM>, a left-side wall <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM>, a front surface <NUM> and a rear surface <NUM>. Upper surface (e.g., opposite the bottom surface <NUM>) of each drawer <NUM> can be open to allow storage of items inside the drawer <NUM>. A handle <NUM> can be formed into the front surface <NUM> and a lock tab <NUM> can be formed into the rear surface <NUM> of the drawer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the coupling between the latch <NUM> and the solenoid rod <NUM>. The upper end of the solenoid rod <NUM> can be inserted into the base <NUM>, and a screw <NUM> can be inserted through the hole <NUM>. The screw <NUM> can also engage with the solenoid rod <NUM> to connect the latch <NUM> to the solenoid rod <NUM>. A nut <NUM> can be inserted into the hexagonal shaped recess <NUM> and the screw <NUM> can threadingly engage with the nut <NUM> to prevent it from backing out of the latch <NUM>.

The compression spring <NUM> located between the latch <NUM> and the solenoid body <NUM> can bias the tongue <NUM> away from the solenoid body <NUM>. In a locked configuration, the solenoid can be deactivated so that the compression spring <NUM> can push the tongue <NUM> away from the solenoid body <NUM> (e.g., the solenoid rod <NUM> can be in the extended configuration). In an unlocked configuration, the solenoid can be activated so that solenoid can pull the latch <NUM> and the tongue <NUM> towards the solenoid body <NUM> (e.g., the solenoid rod <NUM> can be in contracted configuration). When the drawer <NUM> is completely inserted into the drawer housing <NUM>, the tongue <NUM> can engage with the lock tab <NUM> of the drawer <NUM> in the locked configuration as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the lock assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a partial perspective view of the lock assembly <NUM> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. The holding block <NUM> is removed from <FIG> to show the internal components. The lock assembly <NUM> includes a manual release bracket <NUM>. The manual release bracket <NUM> can have an elongated body (e.g., an elongated rod, elongated sheet metal bracket, or the like). The manual release brocket can be elongated in an axial direction <NUM>. The manual release bracket <NUM> can be movingly (e.g., it can rotate, slide, shift, or the like) coupled to the holding block <NUM>. In an example configuration, the manual release bracket <NUM> (e.g., an elongated rod) can rotate around the axis <NUM> relative to the holding block <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The manual release bracket <NUM> can include one or more arms <NUM>. The one or more arms <NUM> can protrude from the elongated body (e.g., elongated rod) of the manual release bracket <NUM> in a radial direction (e.g., perpendicular to the axis <NUM>). The one or more arms <NUM> can rotate together with the manual release bracket <NUM> around the axis <NUM> (for example, rotate in a first direction <NUM>).

In general, there can be one or more arms <NUM> associated with each solenoid mounting assemblies <NUM> (for example, the first arm 282A can be located proximate the left side of the solenoid mounting assembly <NUM> and the second arm 282B can be located proximate the right side of the solenoid mounting assembly <NUM>). The first arm 282A and the second arm 282B can be configured to press on to the first latch arm <NUM> and the second latch arm <NUM>, respectively.

The lock assembly can further include a spring <NUM> (e.g., a torsion spring, extension spring, compressions spring, leaf spring, or the like). The spring <NUM> can bias the one or more arms <NUM> of the manual release bracket <NUM> away from the latch arms <NUM> and <NUM>. In an example configuration, the spring can be a torsion spring <NUM>. The torsion spring <NUM> can be coaxial with the manual release bracket <NUM> (e.g., elongated rod). One leg of the torsion spring <NUM> can engage with the holding block <NUM>, and the other leg of the torsion spring <NUM> can be coupled to the manual release bracket <NUM>. The torsion spring <NUM> can rotate the manual release bracket <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> (e.g., the one or more arms <NUM> can be biased away from the latch arm <NUM>). When the one or more arms <NUM> are away from the latch arms <NUM> and <NUM>, the compression spring <NUM> can translate the latch (e.g., push the latch <NUM> upwards) such that the tongue <NUM> can engage with the lock tab <NUM> when the drawer <NUM> is completely inserted into the drawer housing <NUM>.

The lock assembly <NUM> further includes a slider <NUM>. The slider <NUM> can be slidingly engaged with the holding block <NUM>. In general, the slider <NUM> can have an elongated body (for example, the slider body can elongate between the upper end <NUM> and the lower end <NUM> of the slider <NUM>). The slider <NUM> can be configured to move in a first direction <NUM>. In general, the first direction <NUM> can be in vertical direction. The slider <NUM> can be manually (e.g., pushed, pulled, or the like) or electronically (e.g., via a servomotor, or the like) activated by the user of the workstation <NUM>. The slider <NUM> can cooperate with the manual release bracket <NUM> to lock or unlock the drawers.

In some example configurations, the slider <NUM> can include a finger <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The finger <NUM> can extend away from the slider body. The finger <NUM> can be configured to contact the one or more arms <NUM> (e.g., the finger <NUM> can apply pressure on the one or more arms <NUM>). In the locked configuration of the lock assembly <NUM> (e.g., when the tongue <NUM> is engaged with the lock tab <NUM>), if the solenoid malfunctions (e.g., solenoids cannot be activated to pull the latch <NUM> and the tongue <NUM> down towards the solenoid body <NUM> electronically) and the drawer <NUM> cannot be unlocked, the user of the workstation <NUM> can press on to the upper end <NUM> of the slider <NUM> to push it down so that the finger <NUM> can apply pressure on to the one or more arms <NUM> to rotate the manual release bracket <NUM> in a second direction opposite the first direction <NUM>, and thus, the one or more arms <NUM> can push on to the latch arms <NUM> and <NUM> to push the latch <NUM> and the tongue <NUM> down towards the solenoid body <NUM> to unlock the drawers <NUM> manually.

In some example configurations, the manual release bracket <NUM> can be an elongated flat sheet metal bracket as illustrated in <FIG>. The manual release bracket <NUM> can be slidingly engaged with the holding block <NUM>. A slider <NUM> can be coupled to the manual release bracket <NUM>. The slider <NUM> can be activated by the user of the workstation <NUM> to move it in a first direction <NUM>. When the slider <NUM> is activated, it can also move the manual release bracket <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>.

The one or more arms <NUM> can be coupled to the manual release bracket (e.g., the one or more arms <NUM> can move with the manual release bracket <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>). The one or more arms <NUM> can be configured to contact with the latch arms <NUM> and <NUM> when the slider <NUM> is activated to push the latch <NUM> towards the solenoid body (e.g., away from the lock tab <NUM>) to manually unlock the drawer <NUM>. A spring (e.g., a torsion spring, extension spring, compressions spring, leaf spring, or the like) can bias the manual release bracket <NUM> in a second direction opposite the first direction <NUM> (e.g., the one or more arms can be biased away from the latch arms) when the slider is not activated by the user of the workstation <NUM>. The spring is not shown in <FIG>.

The upper end <NUM> of the slider <NUM> of the first drawer housing 160A (e.g., the drawer housing <NUM> that is coupled to the computer storage compartment <NUM> directly) can extend into the interior space of the computer storage compartment <NUM>. User of the workstation <NUM> can access the upper end <NUM> of the slider <NUM> by unlocking the computer storage compartment <NUM>.

In some example configurations where two or more drawer housings are coupled together (e.g., 160A and 160B as illustrated in <FIG>), the slider of the first drawer housing 160A and the slider of the second drawer housing 160B can be in contact. The upper end of the slider of the second drawer housing 160B can be in contact with the lower end of the slider of the first drawer housing 160A.

When the drawer assembly of <FIG> is coupled to the workstation <NUM>, the upper end <NUM> of the slider <NUM> of the first drawer housing 160A can extend into the interior space of the computer storage compartment <NUM>. When the user of the workstation <NUM> presses on the slider <NUM> of the first drawer housing 160A (e.g., press on to the upper end <NUM> of the slider <NUM> located inside the computer storage compartment <NUM>), all the drawers can be unlocked in the first drawer housing 160A and the second drawer housing 160B.

As discussed previously, each drawer housing <NUM> can have a lock assembly <NUM>, and one or more drawers with different size and shape can be inserted into the drawer housing in some example configurations. The one or more drawers can cooperate with the lock assembly to selectively lock and unlock the one or more drawers. It can be useful to detect if the one or more drawers are locked or unlocked (e.g., the latch <NUM> is in a locked configuration or in an unlocked configuration). If a detected lock status does not match the expected lock status by the controller (e.g., the controller issues a signal to change the lock status but the detected lock status does not change), the controller can determined that the lock has failed, and then, the controller can take additional actions (e.g., attempt to recover from a failure by re-attempting to lock or unlock, or issue a lock status alert to the user of the workstation <NUM>. The lock status can be detected as discussed below according to some example configurations of the current disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the latch <NUM> and the drawer controller <NUM> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. The drawer controller <NUM> can include at least one translation sensor <NUM>. The translation sensor <NUM> can measure translation of a moveable component (e.g., the latch <NUM>) relative to a reference point (e.g., holding block <NUM>). In some examples, the translation sensor <NUM> can be coupled to the moveable components (e.g., the latch <NUM>) or to the holding block <NUM>.

A sensor operator <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) is coupled to (or included in) the latch <NUM>. The translation sensor <NUM> can detect the sensor operator <NUM>, and the translation sensor <NUM> can determine the location of (or the change in location of) the sensor operator <NUM> relative to the sensor <NUM> (e.g., the sensor <NUM> can detect the translation of the latch <NUM>). For instance, the translation sensor <NUM> can include a hall effect sensor, and the sensor operator <NUM> can include a magnet. The sensor <NUM> can detect a change in a magnetic field, for instance when the latch <NUM> is translated. The sensor <NUM> can modulate an electrical property (e.g., voltage, current, impedance, or the like) when the sensor operator <NUM> translates relative to the sensor <NUM>. Accordingly, the sensor <NUM> can measure the translation of the latch <NUM> relative to the holding block <NUM>. In some example configurations, the sensor <NUM> can be aligned with the sensor operator <NUM> when the latch is in the locked configuration.

The sensor <NUM> (and the sensor operator <NUM>) can include (but is not limited to) one or more of an optical sensor, a potentiometer, an accelerometer, a hall effect sensor, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an IR sensor, a motion detector, a force sensor, a contact sensor, and a current sensor. The drawer controller <NUM> can include a microcontroller <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can be in communication with the microcontroller <NUM> and the sensor operator <NUM> can be in communication with the microcontroller <NUM>. Accordingly, the microcontroller <NUM> can determine the location of the latch <NUM> with respect to the holding block <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) by communicating with the translation sensor <NUM> that measures the translation of the latch <NUM>. Based on the sensor data received form the sensor <NUM>, the microcontroller <NUM> can determine whether the latch <NUM> is in the locked configuration or in the unlocked configuration.

Returning to <FIG>, the lock assembly <NUM> includes one or more solenoids. The one or more latches <NUM> can be coupled to the one or more solenoids. The user of the workstation <NUM> can activate the one or more solenoids to move the one or more latches <NUM> between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. The one or more solenoids and the drawer controller <NUM> require electrical energy to operate. In cases when the electrical energy is not available to operate the one or more solenoids, the lock assembly <NUM> can still be operated by using a manual override system. The manual override system can include a manual release bracket <NUM> to move the one or more latches <NUM> between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration as previously discussed.

When the manual override system is activated, it can disable the operation of the one or more solenoids as discussed earlier in this disclosure. When the power is restored to the workstation <NUM> after the manual override system is activated, the electronic locking mechanism (e.g., using the one or more solenoids) cannot work until the manual override is removed by the user of the workstation <NUM>. Therefore, it is desirable for the drawer controller (e.g., microcontroller) to know whether the manual override is still active so that microcontroller can issue a status alert to the user to deactivate the manual override. The manual override status can be detected as discussed below according to some example configurations of the current disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the manual release bracket <NUM> and the drawer controller <NUM> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. The drawer controller <NUM> can include at least one translation sensor <NUM>. The translation sensor <NUM> can measure translation of a moveable component (e.g., the manual release bracket <NUM>) relative to the translation sensor <NUM>. In some examples, the translation sensor <NUM> can be coupled to a moveable component (e.g., the manual release bracket <NUM>) or to the holding block <NUM>.

A sensor operator <NUM> is coupled to (or included in) the manual release bracket <NUM>. In some sample configurations, the manual release bracket <NUM> can have a protrusion <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The protrusion <NUM> can extend from the body of the manual release bracket <NUM>. The sensor operator <NUM> can be coupled to the protrusion <NUM>. In other example configurations, the sensor operator <NUM> can be integrated into the body of the manual release bracket <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. As the manual release bracket <NUM> move (e.g., translate, rotate, or the like) to activate the manual override, the sensor operator <NUM> can approach to the translation sensor <NUM> and it can be detected by the translation sensor <NUM>.

The translation sensor <NUM> can detect the sensor operator <NUM>, and the translation sensor <NUM> can determine the location of (or the change in location of) the sensor operator <NUM> relative to the sensor <NUM> (e.g., the sensor <NUM> can detect the translation of the manual release bracket <NUM>). For instance, the translation sensor <NUM> can include a hall effect sensor, and the sensor operator <NUM> can include a magnet. The sensor <NUM> can detect a change in a magnetic field, for instance when the manual release bracket <NUM> is translated. The sensor <NUM> can modulate an electrical property (e.g., voltage, current, impedance, or the like) when the sensor operator <NUM> translates relative to the sensor <NUM>. Accordingly, the sensor <NUM> can measure the translation of the manual release bracket <NUM> relative to the holding block <NUM>. In some example configurations, the sensor <NUM> can be aligned with the sensor operator <NUM> when the manual override is activated.

The sensor <NUM> (and the sensor operator <NUM>) can include (but is not limited to) one or more of an optical sensor, a potentiometer, an accelerometer, a hall effect sensor, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an IR sensor, a motion detector, a force sensor, a contact sensor, and a current sensor. The drawer controller <NUM> can include a microcontroller <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can be in communication with the microcontroller <NUM> and the sensor operator <NUM> can be in communication with the microcontroller <NUM>. Accordingly, the microcontroller <NUM> can determine the translation of the manual release bracket <NUM> by communicating with the translation sensor <NUM> that measures the translation of the manual release bracket <NUM>. Based on the sensor data received form the sensor <NUM>, the microcontroller <NUM> can determine whether the manual override is activated.

One or more drawers can be inserted into drawer housing <NUM> depending on the size of the drawers and the desired configuration. For example, four single-stall drawers <NUM> can be inserted in the drawer housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG> according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. Each single-stall drawer <NUM> can have a lock tab <NUM> coupled to their rear surface <NUM>. Each lock tab <NUM> can engage with a latch <NUM> of the lock assembly <NUM> to secure them inside the drawer housing <NUM>.

<FIG> are perspective views of the drawer housing <NUM> with different drawer configurations. The upper surface <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM> is removed to show the drawers and the lock assembly <NUM>. Each drawer can be inserted into the drawer housing through the front end <NUM> of the drawer housing <NUM>, and they can engage with the lock assembly <NUM> when they are fully inserted into the drawer housing <NUM>.

A quad-stall drawer <NUM> (e.g., large, four-times as large as a single-stall <NUM>, or the like) can be inserted into the drawer housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The quad-stall drawer can have a front surface <NUM> and a rear surface <NUM>. One or more lock tabs (e.g., a first lock tab <NUM> and a second lock tab <NUM>) can be coupled to the rear surface <NUM>, and a handle <NUM> can be coupled to the front surface <NUM>. The one or more lock tabs (e.g., <NUM> and <NUM>) can engage with the one or more latches <NUM> of the lock assembly <NUM> when the quad-stall drawer <NUM> is fully inserted into the drawer housing <NUM> to secure it inside the drawer housing <NUM>.

A dual-stall drawer <NUM> (e.g., mid-size, two-times as large as a single-stall drawer <NUM>, or the like) can be inserted into the drawer housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The dual-stall drawer <NUM> can have a front surface <NUM> and a rear surface <NUM>. One or more lock tabs (e.g., a first lock tab <NUM> and a second lock tab <NUM>) can be coupled to the rear surface <NUM>, and a handle <NUM> can be coupled to the front surface <NUM>. The one or more lock tabs (e.g., <NUM> and <NUM>) can engage with the one or more latches <NUM> of the lock assembly <NUM> when the dual-stall drawer <NUM> is fully inserted into the drawer housing <NUM> to secure it inside the drawer housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate two drawer housings 160A and 160B coupled to each other according to some example configurations of the current disclosure. The second drawer housing 160B can be located below the first drawer housing 160A. The second drawer housing 160B can be coupled to the first drawer housing 160A via the first <NUM> and the second <NUM> mechanical connectors of the second drawer housing 160B. The second drawer housing 160B can also be electrically coupled to the first drawer housing 160A via the electrical connector <NUM> of the second drawer housing 160B.

Assembly of two drawers illustrated in <FIG>, can be coupled to the workstation <NUM> via the first <NUM> and the second <NUM> mechanical connectors of the first drawer housing 160A. Similarly, the assembly of two drawers, can be electrically coupled to the workstation <NUM> via the electrical connector <NUM> of the first drawer housing 160A.

Drawers (e.g., single, dual, or quad stall drawers) can have dividers to divide the internal space of the drawers. Dividers can be in longitudinal direction (e.g., the divider <NUM> of quad-stall drawer of <FIG>), or in lateral direction (e.g., the divider <NUM> of the single-stall drawer of <FIG>).

In some example configurations, any combination of drawers (e.g., up to four single-stall drawers <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, or up to two dual-stall drawers as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, or a single quad-stall drawer as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, or other combinations of drawers) can be inserted into the drawer housing. In some example configurations where multiple drawer housing are coupled to the workstation <NUM>, the first drawer housing 160A and the second drawer housing 160B can have different combination of drawers as illustrated in <FIG>.

In some example configurations, operation of drawers included in the one or more drawer housings coupled to the workstation <NUM> of <FIG> can be controlled according to a dynamic drawer addressing method.

<FIG> is a block diagram representation of the dynamic drawer addressing method <NUM>. The dynamic drawer addressing method <NUM> can include a central control unit <NUM> and the one or more drawer housings <NUM>. The central control unit <NUM> can be located on the workstation <NUM> and it can interface with all drawer housings coupled to the workstation <NUM> via a shared bidirectional data bus <NUM>-<NUM>. The central control unit <NUM> can also directly communicate with the first drawer housing 160A via a first data bus enable signal <NUM>. The first drawer housing 160A can include a second data bus enable signal <NUM> that can be directly coupled to the second drawer housing 160B. The second data bus enable signal <NUM> can only communicate with the second drawer housing 160B that can be directly below the first drawer housing 160A. This connection method can be cascaded down to the Nth drawer housing 160N.

Each drawer housing (e.g., the first drawing housing 160A, the second drawing housing 160B, and the like) can include a drawer controller <NUM> and the one or more latches <NUM>. The drawer controller <NUM> can be coupled to the one or more latches <NUM> included in the drawer housing <NUM> to control up to n-number of electromechanical latches (e.g., the first latch 250A, the second latch 250B, and others) to unlock and lock up n-number of individual drawers. The drawer controller <NUM> can include a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. At initialization or power on of the workstation <NUM>, the memory <NUM> in each drawer controller <NUM> can be preprogrammed with a default address such that each drawer housing <NUM> can be identical.

The central control unit <NUM> assigns each drawer housing <NUM> its own unique address over the shared data bus <NUM>-<NUM>. At power on or during initialization, all data bus enable signals (e.g., the first data bus enable signal <NUM>, and the second data bus enable signal <NUM>) can be disabled such that no drawer housing <NUM> can respond to any communication from the central control unit <NUM>. The central control unit <NUM> can enable communication to the first drawer housing by enabling the first data bus enable signal <NUM> that it shares with the first drawer housing 160A only.

Subsequently, using the default preprogrammed address, the central control unit <NUM> can communicate over the shared data bus <NUM>-<NUM> to send a first unique address to a drawer housing. Since only the first drawer housing 160A has its communication bus <NUM> enabled or listening, it can receive the first unique address through the shared data bus <NUM>-<NUM> and respond with a confirmation message through the communication bus <NUM>. The central control unit <NUM> can instruct the first drawer housing 160A that has the first unique address to enable the second data bus enable signal <NUM> which it shares with the second drawer housing 160B only.

Subsequently, the central control unit <NUM> can once again use the default preprogrammed address to communicate over the shared data bus <NUM>-<NUM> to send a second unique address to a drawer housing. Both the first drawer housing 160A and the second drawer housing 160B can have their communication bus enabled or listening, but only the second drawer housing 160B can respond to the default preprogrammed address. Thus, the second drawer housing 160B can receive the second unique address through the shared data bus <NUM>-<NUM> and respond with a confirmation message through the communication bus <NUM>.

This described sequence can continue for each respective drawer housings until a confirmation message can no longer be received after an attempt to send the Nth unique drawer address. At this point, the central control unit <NUM> can determine that there can be N-<NUM> drawer housings and that the dynamic addressing has been completed.

Various modular components (e.g., drawer housings, drawers, printers, scanners, computers, or the like) can be added to the workstation <NUM> during its use. These modules can have various configurations (e.g., drawer configurations, or the like). It is desirable for the central control unit <NUM> to identify these added modules and their configurations so that the central control unit <NUM> can monitor the use of these modules and report to the user or issue alerts.

The workstation <NUM> can have various sensors (e.g., hall effect sensors, optical sensors, or the like) according to some example configurations of the current disclosure. Sensors can be coupled to the central control unit <NUM>. Modules (e.g., drawers) can have sensor operators (e.g., magnets, color coded tape, or the like) embedded in them. Sensor operators can be strategically located on modules so that they can align with sensors when modules are coupled to the workstation <NUM>. Sensors can determine the status of sensor operators during the use of the workstation <NUM> and communicate their status to the central control unit <NUM>.

An example of a module that can be frequently coupled to the workstation <NUM> of <FIG> is a drawer housing <NUM> with varying drawer configurations (e.g., single-stall, dual-stall, quad-stall, dual-stall/tall, quad-stall/tall, or the like). Drawer configurations inside a drawer housing <NUM> can have various features (e.g., size, shape, color, orientation, or the like). The user of the workstation <NUM> can have flexibility to rearrange the drawer configuration depending on the tasks to be performed using the workstation <NUM>.

In some example implementations, it can be desirable for the central control unit <NUM> to determine the drawer configuration when the drawer housing <NUM> is coupled to the workstation <NUM> and coupled to the central control unit <NUM>. Once the drawer configuration is determined, the central control unit <NUM> can monitor the use of drawers and report on the status of drawers (e.g., open/closed, present/not-present, locked/unlocked, or the like) and issue alerts to the user of the workstation <NUM>.

The central control unit <NUM> can learn the drawer configuration either automatically when the drawers are coupled to the workstation <NUM>, or the drawer configuration can be entered by the user of the workstation <NUM>. To prevent mistakes and reduce the amount of data entry by the user of the workstation <NUM>, it is desirable for the central control unit <NUM> to determine the drawer configuration automatically when the drawers are coupled to the workstation <NUM>. One or more methods explained in this disclosure can be used to determine the drawer configuration automatically.

<FIG> are block diagram representations of some example drawer configurations including single-stall <NUM>, dual-stall <NUM>, dual-stall/tall <NUM>, quad-stall <NUM>, and quad-stall/tall drawers <NUM>. Other drawer configurations can also be designed and used within the scope of this disclosure. Any method explained in this disclosure can be applicable to any other drawer configurations as well without limitation. One or more sensor operators (e.g., magnets <NUM>) can be embedded into the drawers as illustrated in <FIG>. In some sample configurations, the single-stall drawer <NUM> can have one sensor operator (e.g., magnet 500A) whereas the dual-stall drawer <NUM> and the quad-stall drawer <NUM> can have two sensor operators (e.g., magnets 500A and 500B), and the quad-stall/tall drawer <NUM> can have four sensor operators (e.g., magnets 500A, 500B, 500C and 500D). Other sensor operator configurations are also considered within the scope of this disclosure. The sensor operators (e.g., magnets) can be strategically located on the drawers to align with one or more sensors (e.g., hall effect sensors located on the drawer controller <NUM>) to identify the specific drawer configuration.

<FIG> are block diagram representations of various drawer configurations and the drawer controller <NUM> according to some example configurations of the current disclosure. The drawer controller <NUM> can have one or more sensors <NUM> (e.g., eight sensors 600A, 600B, 600C, 600D, 600E, 600F, <NUM>, and <NUM>), and the drawer controller can be separated into one or more regions <NUM> (e.g., four regions 610A, 610B, 610C, and 610D). Each region <NUM> can include the one or more sensors <NUM> (e.g., the first sensor 600A proximate the left end of the region 610A and the second sensor 600B proximate the right end of the region 610A, so on). The microcontroller <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) located on the drawer controller <NUM> can be in communication with all the sensors located on the drawer controller <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of the rear end of the drawers against the drawer controller <NUM> according to some example configurations of the current disclosure. Depending on its size, each drawer can overlap with the one or more regions <NUM> of the drawer controller <NUM>. For example, in <FIG> a single-stall drawer <NUM> can overlap with a single region 610A whereas in <FIG> a dual-stall drawer <NUM> can overlap with two regions 610A-B, and in <FIG> a quad-stall drawer <NUM> can overlap with four regions 610A-B-C-D).

As shown in <FIG>, the sensor operators <NUM> can be coupled to the rear end of the lock tabs (e.g., lock tab <NUM> of a single-stall drawer <NUM>, so on) facing the drawer controller <NUM>. The sensor operators <NUM> (e.g., magnets) can be located on each drawer to align with sensors <NUM> located in the one or more regions <NUM> of the drawer controller <NUM>. Each different drawer configuration can have a unique arrangement of sensor operator locations (e.g., magnet locations). Depending on the alignment between the one or more sensors <NUM> with the one or more sensor operators <NUM>, the specific drawer configuration and its location within the drawer housing <NUM> can be automatically detected by the central control unit <NUM> of the workstation <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram representation of the module (e.g., drawer) detection system <NUM>. Each unit <NUM> (e.g., the drawer housing) can include a controller <NUM> (e.g., the drawer controller). The controller <NUM> can include a microcontroller <NUM> and the one or more sensors <NUM> (e.g., 600A-thru-H). The one or more sensors <NUM> can communicate with the microcontroller <NUM> (e.g., through a signal line <NUM>). The one or more sensor operators <NUM> (e.g., 500A-thru-N) can be coupled to modular components (e.g., drawers). N-number of sensor operators (e.g., N can be any integer number) can be coupled to the modular components depending on their configuration (e.g., size, shape, orientation, or the like). When sensor operators <NUM> are located in close proximity of the controller <NUM> (e.g., drawers can be inserted into the drawer housing), the one or more sensor operators <NUM> can be detected by the one or more sensors <NUM>. Depending on the match between the sensors <NUM> and sensor operators <NUM>, the microcontroller <NUM> of the controller <NUM> can determine the configuration of the module (e.g., can determine the size and location of the drawer) and communicate it to the central control unit <NUM> via the communication line <NUM>.

In an example configuration, a single-stall drawer <NUM> can have the sensor operator 500A (e.g. magnet) located proximate the left side of the lock tab <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In an example configuration as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a single-stall drawer <NUM> can overlap with only one region (e.g., 610A, or the like) of the drawer controller <NUM>. When the single-stall drawer <NUM> is inserted into the drawer housing <NUM>, a sensor can align with a sensor operator (e.g., the sensor 600A can align with the magnet 500A, so on). Since only one sensor operator (e.g., magnet 500A located proximate the left side of the lock tab <NUM>) can be aligned with only one sensor (e.g., sensor 600A located proximate the left side of the region 610A), the central control unit <NUM> can detect that a single-stall drawer <NUM> is inserted into the drawer housing <NUM> to overlap with the region 610A of the drawer controller <NUM>. In another example configuration, if only one sensor operator (e.g., magnet 500A) can be aligned with only one sensor (e.g., sensor <NUM>), the central control unit <NUM> can detect that a single-stall drawer <NUM> is inserted into the drawer housing <NUM> to overlap with the region 610D of the drawer controller <NUM>. Similarly, in yet other configurations, the single-stall drawer <NUM> can be inserted into the drawer housing <NUM> to overlap with other regions <NUM> of the drawer controller <NUM>, and it can be detected by the central control unit <NUM>.

In another example configuration, a dual-stall drawer <NUM> can have two lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, and a sensor operator can be coupled to each lock tab (e.g., magnet 500A can be coupled to the lock tab <NUM> proximate to its right side, and magnet 500B can be coupled to the lock tab <NUM> proximate to its right side). In an example configuration as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a dual-stall drawer <NUM> can overlap with two adjacent regions (e.g., 610A and 610B, so on) of the drawer controller <NUM>. When the dual-stall drawer <NUM> is inserted into the drawer housing <NUM>, two sensors can align with two sensor operators (e.g., magnet 500A located proximate the right side of the lock tab <NUM> can align with the sensor 600B located proximate the right side of the region 610A, and magnet 500B located proximate the right side of the lock tab <NUM> can align with the sensor 600D located proximate the right side of the region 610B), the central control unit <NUM> can detect that a dual-stall drawer <NUM> is inserted into the drawer housing <NUM> to overlap with the regions 610A-B of the control board <NUM>. Similarly, in other configurations, the dual-stall drawer <NUM> can be inserted into the drawer housing <NUM> to overlap with two other regions <NUM> of the drawer controller <NUM>, and it can be detected by the central control unit <NUM>.

In yet another example configuration, a quad-stall drawer <NUM> can have two lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, and a sensor operator can be coupled to each lock tab (e.g., magnet 500A can be coupled to the lock tab <NUM> proximate to its right side, and magnet 500B can be coupled to the lock tab <NUM> proximate to its left side). In an example configuration as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a quad-stall drawer <NUM> can overlap with four regions (e.g., 610A-B-C-D) of the drawer controller <NUM>. When the quad-stall drawer <NUM> is inserted into the drawer housing <NUM>, two sensors can align with two sensor operators (e.g., magnet 500A located proximate the right side of the lock tab <NUM> can align with the sensor 600B located proximate the right side of the region 610A, and magnet 500B located proximate the left side of the lock tab <NUM> can align with the sensor <NUM> located proximate the left side of the region 610D), the central control unit <NUM> can detect that a quad-stall drawer <NUM> is inserted into the drawer housing to overlap with the regions 610A-D of the drawer controller <NUM>.

Some example configurations of the current disclosure have been discussed above to illustrate methods to detect the configuration and location of various modular components (e.g., drawers) as they are coupled to the workstation <NUM> of <FIG> (e.g., inserted into the drawer housings). The methods discussed can include unique arrangements of sensors (e.g., hall effect sensors located on the drawer controller), and sensor operators (e.g., magnets embedded into the drawers). Some example arrangements of sensors and sensor operators are illustrated above. Other arrangements can also be used and they are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

Claim 1:
An appliance (<NUM>) with changeable components, the appliance comprising:
a support structure (<NUM>);
a housing (<NUM>) coupled to the support structure, wherein the housing (<NUM>) is configured to receive at least one component;
a plurality of first sensor operators coupled to the at least one component;
a plurality of first sensors coupled to the appliance, wherein the plurality of first sensors are configured to detect a transfer of the plurality of first sensor operators;
a lock assembly (<NUM>) including:
one or more latches (<NUM>), wherein the one or more latches (<NUM>) are adapted to engage with the at least one component (<NUM>) in a locked configuration and adapted to disengage from the at least one component (<NUM>) in an unlocked configuration;
a plurality of second sensor operators (<NUM>) coupled to the one or more latches (<NUM>);
a plurality of second sensors (<NUM>) coupled to the appliance, wherein the plurality of sensors (<NUM>) are configured to detect a transfer of the plurality of second sensor operators (<NUM>);
a manual release bracket (<NUM>) adapted to selectively engage with the one or more latches (<NUM>) in an unlocked configuration;
a slider (<NUM>) that is configured to be manually or electronically activated by a user, wherein the slider (<NUM>) cooperates with the manual release bracket (<NUM>) to unlock the at least one component;
a manual release sensor operator coupled to the manual release bracket (<NUM>);
a manual release sensor coupled to the appliance (<NUM>), wherein the manual release sensor is configured to detect a transfer of the manual release sensor operator; and
wherein the control unit (<NUM>) is in communication with the first sensors and the second sensors and the manual release sensor; and wherein the control unit (<NUM>) is adapted to determine a configuration of the at least one component, and to determine a configuration of the one or more latches (<NUM>) when the one or more latches (<NUM>) are in the locked configuration or in the unlocked configuration, and to determine a configuration of the manual release bracket (<NUM>) when it is in the unlocked configuration.