Mobile Processing Unit - "MPU"

A local manufacturer needed a device to process incoming and outgoing inventories. The manufacturer and OSCO co-developed this solution.

NOTE: The unit is now in its third generation and over 30 MPU’s are in use in two of their locations. A third location is currently putting them in their budget.

These eight units are part of the initial order of twelve and are ready for delivery. They were originally configured on a modified Audio Visual cart. We developed tooling to re-enforce the composite framework to enhance the structural integrity of the unit.

PROBLEM:

The Manufacturer just could not find the right piece of equipment on the market. The requirement called for on line communication to an inventory network, the ability to both read and print bar-code labels on the spot and be mobile enough to be maneuvered around the receiving or shipping room floor by a 90 pound employee.

SOLUTION:

The device you see in the adjacent photograph. They call it a Mobile Processing Unit or MPU.

FEATURES:

• Laptop PC
• Bar-Code Scanner
• Bar-Code Printer for "On the Spot" Printing
• Wireless Communication Between Laptop and Network
• Wireless Communication from Network to Printer
• Battery Powered with 120 VAC Inverter
• Onboard Battery Charging System with Ventilation System
• Battery Monitoring System
• Onboard Selector Switch for Optional 120 VAC Power Source While Charging

Interesting design features with comments and "current" generation units:

• The customer had already decided to use a readily available Audio/Visual cart to house the system but the accumulative weight of the components exceeded its rating. Special tooling and internal partitions were configured by OSCO to provide the necessary structural integrity and also provide hinge and attachment points for protective panels.
• High density composite casters were used in place of the rubber versions provided. The reasons for this were two fold: reduce, by a third, the force necessary to initiate movement and increased payload capacity
• Different battery amp/hour ratings, cell structures and characteristics were researched to identify the proper battery for the application. Those battery charging characteristics were then matched to the charger that would optimize its life and performance.
• A retractable cord reel was integrated to provide a neat and convenient means of storing the power cord used for charging and as an optional power source.
• An onboard battery monitor giving battery charge status indication expressed in percent was incorporated in each cart. This device provided a low power alarm and protective shutdown as well as feedback to the operator to avoid excessive battery discharge.

This is a side view of a 1st Generation MPU with the upper and lower side panels removed. The lower section houses the battery in an enclosure, the inverter and battery charger. This area is ventilated while charging. A partition front to back in the upper compartment provides the mounting pan for the RF Transceivers, power supplies, a switch to select power source or charge modes, battery monitor and gauge. The other side of the partition provides space for the printer. On the rear of the MPU the antenna and 120 VAC cord cap coming from the cord reel are visible.

MPU……Generation Three

The facility having this requirement operated much differently than the first or second. These units were to be used in a receiving area that processed vast numbers of small shipments rather than pallet sized containers. These carts would be used for actually transporting material from one location to another. They were also to be used in a stores area as "picking carts". This also called for product transportation. An extruded aluminum structural product was used to construct these carts was much superior to the cutting, welding, grinding and painting alternative.

This is one version of the 3rd Generation MPU’s. These were configured for use inside a storeroom where components are pulled for various manufacturing processes. These carts were constructed using an anodized extruded aluminum product. The battery is housed under the laptop and behind the tilt out drawer. Since they were to be used in a localized area, five (5) place charging stations were furnished with the carts .When the product is pulled from inventory it is placed in a tote that is used factory wide. The tote storage areas provided on the carts were sized for full utilization of space

Since the units were to be used in specific areas the mobility requirement for charging was no longer valid. Consequently, the chargers were deleted from the carts and configured into wall mounted "charging stations". The bar-code printer was also eliminated which drastically reduced the amp/hour requirements for the MPU. This resulted in a charging cycle measured in days rather than one shift..

This is a view of the battery storage area. The battery is housed in an enclosure and secured with a two inch Velcro strap arrangement. The parts counting shelf is shown extended. A high density composite was used for bearing material that provides for very smooth operation. The laptop, scanner and numeric keypad will be mounted on a security plate inserted in the slot of the extrusion above the drawer and secured with tamper proof screws

OTHER FEATURES:

• Complete network connectivity via NCR WaveLAN PC Card (PCMCIA) Modules
• Tilt out operator supply storage drawer
• Pull out ESD shelf for small parts counting
• Numeric Keypad for more convenient data entry
• Two inch wide composite wheels for maneuverability
• Locking mechanism for castors when parking on unleveled surfaces
• Grounding system
• Flush stainless steel shelves for easier tote handling· All components and shelving vibration isolated…..no rattles, very quite operation

AND VERY, VERY HAPPY CUSTOMERS!

This is one of the MPU’s to be used in a receiving area committed to small shipments. This picture was taken before the flush stainless steel shelf tops, laptop, etc. were installed. The upper storage section facilitated additional storage of totes. It could also be fitted with cargo netting to accept numerous small cartons for transport to other receiving areas. The plastic covered steel mesh was used to enhance operator visibility.

Last modified: April 07, 2010

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