Structural isolation of rfid antennas

Abstract

A handheld scanning device includes a main housing, an antenna housing, an antenna mounting bracket, and a first radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna. The main housing includes a main body portion and a grip portion operably coupled with the main body. The main housing defines a main housing cavity. The antenna housing is operably coupled with the main housing and defines an antenna housing cavity. The antenna mounting bracket is disposed at least partially within the antenna housing cavity and is operably coupled with the antenna housing and the main body portion of the main housing. The first RFID antenna is disposed at least partially within the antenna housing cavity and is operably coupled with the antenna mounting bracket. An antenna system for a handheld scanning device is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 299,634, filed January 14, 2022, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to structural isolation of RFID antennas. Background Technology

[0004] Handheld barcode readers and / or scanning devices can be used in a variety of environments, such as warehouse environments, checkout stations, and / or other similar settings. Depending on the environment, these scanning devices can have different constructions and / or sizes. For example, some handheld scanning devices may be in the form of a scanning "carriage" or "gun," while others may be in the form of a scanning carriage with an attached terminal. Other arrangements are also possible. In some constructions of these handheld scanning devices, a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna may be positioned on the front of the device and may extend from its main body. Due to performance requirements (e.g., signal strength), these RFID antennas may be mounted inside the device without using relatively rigid materials such as metal. Thus, in the event of an accidental drop by the user, the portion of the device housing the RFID antenna may deform, potentially making the antenna connection susceptible to breakage, internal stress, and / or other damage. Some existing devices employ designs to prevent deformation of the device's parts. However, such devices can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for the user to use and operate.

[0005] Therefore, improved accessories with enhanced functions are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This document discloses a handheld scanning device. An example handheld scanning device includes a main housing, an antenna housing, an antenna mounting bracket, and a first radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna. The main housing includes a main body portion and a grip portion operatively coupled to the main body. The main housing defines a main housing cavity. The antenna housing is operatively coupled to the main housing and defines an antenna housing cavity. The antenna mounting bracket is at least partially disposed within the antenna housing cavity and operatively coupled to both the antenna housing and the main body portion of the main housing. The first RFID antenna is at least partially disposed within the antenna housing cavity and operatively coupled to the antenna mounting bracket.

[0007] In variations of this embodiment, the antenna housing may include a front antenna housing and a rear antenna housing. In some of these examples, the rear antenna housing may be operatively coupled to a main support member, which is at least partially disposed within the main housing cavity. In some examples, the front antenna housing may be operatively coupled to an upper portion of the main body. In these and other examples, the rear antenna housing may be integrally formed with the main housing.

[0008] In some forms, the antenna housing may include multiple reinforcing ribs disposed within the antenna housing cavity to restrict the movement of the antenna mounting bracket.

[0009] In some examples, the first radio frequency identification antenna includes a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a structural support member disposed between the first and second circuit boards. The first circuit board may be electrically connected to the second circuit board. In some methods, the structural support member may be in the form of a third and a fourth circuit board.

[0010] In some variations of these embodiments, the antenna mounting bracket includes a bracket body and a flange portion. The bracket body can be rotatably displaced relative to the flange portion. Furthermore, in some examples, the antenna mounting bracket may include at least one hook member and at least one elastic member. The at least one hook member can receive a first end of the RFID antenna. The at least one elastic member can receive a second end of the RFID antenna.

[0011] In some examples, the device may include an imaging system at least partially disposed within the main cavity. The imaging system can capture at least one image of an object appearing in the field of view (FOV) of the device.

[0012] According to a second embodiment, an antenna system for a handheld scanning device may include: an antenna housing defining an antenna housing cavity; a floating bracket at least partially disposed within the antenna housing cavity; and a radio frequency identification antenna at least partially disposed within the antenna housing cavity. The antenna mounting bracket is operatively connected to the antenna housing. The floating bracket is movable within the antenna housing cavity. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the separate views to designate the same or similarly functional elements, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and form part of the specification and serve to further illustrate embodiments including the concepts of the claimed invention, and to explain the various principles and advantages of these embodiments.

[0014] Figure 1 A frontal perspective view of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Side view of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments.

[0016] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 Side sectional view of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments.

[0017] Figure 4 It shows Figures 1 to 3 A side sectional view of an example antenna housing of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments.

[0018] Figure 5 It shows Figures 1 to 4 A frontal perspective view of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments, with a portion of the housing removed.

[0019] Figure 6 It shows Figures 1 to 5 The rear perspective view of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments, with a portion of the housing removed.

[0020] Figure 7 It shows Figures 1 to 6 A frontal perspective perspective view of an example antenna assembly of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments.

[0021] Figure 8 It shows Figures 1 to 7 A side view of an example antenna assembly of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments.

[0022] Figure 9 It shows Figures 1 to 8 Rear perspective perspective view of an example antenna assembly of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments.

[0023] Figure 10 It shows Figures 1 to 9 A frontal perspective perspective view of a portion of an example antenna assembly of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments.

[0024] Figure 11 It shows Figures 1 to 10 A frontal perspective perspective view of a portion of an example antenna assembly of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments.

[0025] Figure 12 It shows Figures 1 to 11 A frontal perspective perspective view of a portion of an example antenna assembly of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments.

[0026] Figure 13 It shows Figures 1 to 12A bottom-view perspective view of a portion of an example antenna assembly of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments.

[0027] Figure 14 It shows Figures 1 to 13 A top perspective view of a portion of an example antenna assembly of an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments.

[0028] Figure 15 A frontal perspective perspective view of an alternative example radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna assembly for an example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments is shown.

[0029] Figure 16 A frontal perspective view of an alternative example housing for a handheld scanning device according to various embodiments is shown.

[0030] Figure 17 A side sectional view of an alternative example handheld scanning device according to various embodiments is shown.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the accompanying drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in understanding the embodiments of the invention.

[0032] Where appropriate, apparatus and method components are indicated by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of the invention, so as not to make this disclosure unclear due to details that would be obvious to those skilled in the art as described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Generally, according to these different embodiments, a handheld scanning device is provided, which includes a support structure for a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna. The scanning device can be modular, as it can include different adapters to accommodate different terminals (e.g., mobile computing devices) or other devices. The scanning device includes an RFID antenna capable of reading RFID tags in various environments such as warehouses. Notably, the scanning device disclosed herein includes a structural mechanism that allows the RFID antenna to "float" within an antenna housing or enclosure, which advantageously prevents the RFID antenna from being damaged and / or subjected to stress in the event of accidental drops or impacts.

[0034] Go to Figures 1 to 14A first example handheld scanning device 100 is provided, which includes a main housing 102, an antenna housing 110, and an antenna assembly 120. The antenna assembly 120 includes a radio frequency identification antenna 122 and an antenna mounting bracket (or floating bracket) 140. The main housing 102 includes a body portion 103 and a grip portion 104 operatively coupled to the body portion 103, the two cooperating to define a cavity 102a. The body portion 103 also includes an upper portion 103a and a lower portion 103b.

[0035] The imaging system 150 includes an imaging sensor, a circuit board, and any number of additional components disposed within an internal cavity 102a of the main body portion 103. At least a portion of the imaging system 150 is located at or near a window 108 in the main body portion 103 of the main housing 102.

[0036] The grip portion 104 is sized for use by a user and may include a trigger 105 that activates the imaging system 150 to capture and decode at least one image appearing in the field of view (FOV) and / or activates the antenna assembly 120 to receive signals via the radio frequency identification antenna 122.

[0037] The antenna housing 110 includes a front antenna housing 111 and a rear antenna housing 112 that at least partially form the antenna housing cavity 110a. Figures 1 to 14 In the example shown, the antenna rear housing 112 is connected to the main body portion 103 of the main housing 102 via fastener 101. However, in some examples (e.g., Figure 16 The antenna rear housing 112 can be integrally formed with the main body 103 of the main housing 102. Similarly, in Figures 1 to 14 In the example shown, the antenna front housing 111 is operatively connected to the main body portion 103 of the main housing 102 via fastener 101.

[0038] The rear antenna housing 112 includes any number of reinforcing ribs 114. These reinforcing ribs 114 may be in the form of protrusions extending inward into the antenna housing cavity 110a. In some examples, the front antenna housing 111 may also include reinforcing ribs (not shown).

[0039] Antenna assembly 120 includes an RFID antenna 122 and an antenna mounting bracket 140. Generally, the RFID antenna 122 is operatively coupled to the antenna mounting bracket 140, which in turn is operatively coupled to the antenna housing 110 and / or the main housing 102. The RFID antenna 122 includes a first circuit board or ground plane 124 and a second circuit board 126 including a transmitting element. A structural support 128 is disposed between the first circuit board 124 and the second circuit board 126. Furthermore, an electrical connection 123 connects the RFID antenna 122 to the remainder of the imaging system 150 (e.g., trigger 105, controller, etc.).

[0040] The first circuit board 124 and the second circuit board 126 are electrically and / or communicatively connected to each other via solder points or pads 127 soldered to each circuit board, thus mechanically and electrically connecting the first circuit board 124 and the second circuit board 126. In some examples, the structural support 128 may be in the form of corresponding third and fourth circuit boards communicatively connected to the first circuit board 124 and the second circuit board 124. This arrangement can provide an increased range of scanning devices. In the illustrated example, the structural support 128 is X-shaped, but other arrangements (e.g., annular or circular, triangular, square, etc.) may also be used. Furthermore, the structural support 128 may be insertably coupled into openings formed in the first circuit board 124 and the second circuit board 126. The structural support 128 may have a desired thickness to form a gap with a predetermined width between the first circuit board 124 and the second circuit board 126. In some alternative arrangements, the structural support 128 may be made of a plastic material, as in some arrangements it may be desirable to have a minimal amount of metal near the first circuit board 124. Other arrangements are also possible.

[0041] The antenna mounting bracket 140 includes a bracket body 142 and a flange portion 144 operatively coupled to an upper portion 142a of the bracket body 142. In some examples, the bracket body 142 may be integrally formed with the flange portion 144. The antenna mounting bracket 140 may be constructed of a polymeric material capable of bending or deforming. The bracket body 142 is substantially planar and sized to be substantially the same size as the first circuit board 124. The lower portion 142b of the bracket body 142 includes any number of hook members 146 extending therefrom. The upper portion 142a of the bracket body 142 includes any number of resilient members 148 extending therefrom. In the illustrated example, one or more resilient members 148 may be in the form of resilient sheets having gripping or finger-like members 148a. Other examples are possible.

[0042] The first circuit board 124 can be coupled to the bracket body 142. An adhesive 145, in the form of a film, spray, or any other suitable material, can be applied to one or both of the first circuit board 124 and the bracket body 142. The circuit board 124 may be slotted into one or more hook members 146 and pressed against and / or pressed against the bracket body 142. This movement causes the first circuit board 124 to deform one or more resilient members 148 until the first circuit board 124 is fully positioned against the bracket body 142. At this point, the adhesive 145 holds the circuit board against the bracket body 142, while the resilient members 148 return to their non-deformable configuration, and their gripping or finger-like features 148a prevent the first circuit board 124 from moving relative to the bracket body 142. Thus, multiple components cooperate to couple the first circuit board 124 to the bracket body 142: the adhesive 145; one or more hook members 146; and one or more resilient members 148. This engagement ensures that the circuit board 124 (and therefore the entire RFID antenna 122) moves together with the antenna mounting bracket 140.

[0043] The flange portion 144 of the antenna mounting bracket 140 includes an opening 144a for securing the flange portion 144 to portions of the main housing 102 and / or the main support member 106 via fasteners 101. The flange portion 144 may include any number of support struts 149 (e.g., piers) providing structural support and / or reinforcing the support body 142 and the flange portion 144. Figures 7 to 14 As shown, the flange portion 144 can be connected to the main support member 106. In some examples, the main support member 106 is made of a rigid material such as metal, but other examples are also possible.

[0044] Antenna assembly 120 is disposed within antenna housing cavity 110a. Furthermore, antenna mounting bracket 140 (more specifically, its flange portion 144) is connected to antenna rear housing 112 and the body portion 103 (i.e., lower portion 103b) of main housing 102 via fasteners 101. Antenna rear housing 112 includes mounting surface 112a having any number of openings 112b to receive fasteners 111. Furthermore, the lower portion 103b of body portion 103 includes any number of openings 103c to receive fasteners 101. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 14As shown, the openings 144a, 112b, and 103c of the flange portion 144, the antenna rear housing 112, and the lower portion 103b are aligned so that the fastener 101 can secure these components to each other. Furthermore, in some examples, the opening 106a of the main support member 106 can also be aligned with any number of these openings 144a, 112b, and 103c to additionally hold the main support member 106 thereto. With this arrangement, the antenna assembly 120 is secured relative to the main housing 102.

[0045] In this arrangement, the antenna assembly 120 is positioned within the antenna housing cavity 110a such that the RFID antenna 122 and the support body 142 float within the cavity and do not touch the internal surface of the antenna housing 110a. This arrangement advantageously leads to several "vibration reduction" methods. Firstly, in this arrangement, and as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a portion of the support member 149 may be positioned near one of the reinforcing ribs 114, which are formed in and / or by the antenna rear housing 112. In the event of an accidental drop, the support member 149 can function as a protrusion or stop to prevent significant displacement of the antenna mounting bracket 140. This engagement limits the amount of bending that the antenna mounting bracket 140 may experience, which in turn reduces stress on the RFID antenna 122. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the reinforcing rib 114, positioned lower along the antenna rear housing 112, may also engage the bracket body 142 to limit displacement and bending.

[0046] Furthermore, the flange portion 144 and its junction with the main support 106 are the first to experience any internal bending. These two components cooperate to absorb impact, thereby reducing the stress experienced by the support body 142.

[0047] Furthermore, this arrangement allows the antenna mounting bracket 140 (i.e., the flange portion 144) to bend while the bracket body 142 remains relatively rigid and undeformed. In other words, the bracket body 142 can be rotatably displaced relative to the flange portion 144.

[0048] The front housing 111 of the antenna is connected to the rear housing 112 of the antenna and / or the upper portion 103a of the main body 103. This connection with the upper portion 103a creates an additional support point, which also reduces and / or limits the amount of deformation that the antenna housing 110 may undergo.

[0049] In some arrangements (not shown), the flange portion 144 may not be connected to the antenna rear housing 112, but the antenna rear housing 114 may instead be connected to the main housing 102 via other fasteners. Other arrangements are also possible.

[0050] Because the RFID antenna 122 is not directly connected to any frame / housing component, it floats within the antenna housing cavity 110a in the event of a collision and / or accidental drop of the device 100. More specifically, the antenna mounting bracket 140 bends and absorbs deformation, but prevents the RFID antenna 122 from deforming. Although the lowest point of the antenna housing 110 experiences the greatest deformation relative to the main housing 102, the RFID antenna 122 will not move as much as the antenna housing 110. Furthermore, the engagement between the antenna mounting bracket 140 and the reinforcing rib 114 also prevents rearward rotation. These features work together to minimize stress on the RFID antenna 112.

[0051] This arrangement structurally isolates the RFID antenna 122 from external stress sources while incorporating a minimal amount of metal that could adversely affect its operation. The scanning device 100 is ergonomic and easy for the user to hold, and can accommodate additional components such as adapters (e.g., terminals that can be connected to the upper portion 103a of the main body 103).

[0052] It should be understood that the teachings described herein can be applied to any number of alternative scanning devices with different characteristics. For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, an alternative RFID antenna assembly 222 is provided, which includes a structural support 228 having an opening 229 for receiving a metal pin 227 extending therethrough. The metal pin 227 can be soldered to a first circuit board 224 and a second circuit board 226. It should be understood that the RFID antenna assembly 222 may include components compatible with... Figures 1 to 14 The RFID antenna 122 shown has a number of similar features, therefore these features will not be discussed in detail. The features described in RFID antenna 122 can be combined with those in RFID antenna 222, and vice versa.

[0053] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown and as previously stated, in some forms, the rear antenna housing can be integrally formed with at least a portion of the main housing. Furthermore, as... Figure 17 As shown, a remote scanning device is provided that can scan and / or receive RFID signals from objects located at a greater distance from the scanning device.

[0054] Specific embodiments have been described in the foregoing specification. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this teaching. Furthermore, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but rather as possible combinations if such combinations are permitted in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any other foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0055] No benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, or any one or more elements that may lead to or make any benefit, advantage, or solution appear or become more apparent shall be construed as a key, essential, or necessary feature or element of any or all claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any modifications made during the pending period of this application and all equivalents of those granted claims.

[0056] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc., may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “comprise,” “or contain,” “or any other variation thereof” are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such as a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, or contains a list of elements, including not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further constraints, an element beginning with “comprising…a,” “having…a,” “containing…a,” or “or any other” does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, contains, or contains that element. Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, the terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more. The terms “substantially,” “essentially,” “approximately,” “about,” or any other version thereof are defined as such that they are close to being understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in yet another within 1%, and in yet another within 0.5%. The term “connection” as used herein is defined as a link, although not necessarily direct and not necessarily mechanical. A device or structure “constructed” in a certain way is constructed at least in this manner, but may also be constructed in ways not listed.

[0057] An abstract of this disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. It should be understood that this abstract is not intended to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that various features are combined in various embodiments to simplify this disclosure. The method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than expressly described in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention may not lie in all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated herein by reference to the detailed description, while each claim itself can be considered as a separate claim.

Claims

1. A handheld scanning device, comprising: A main housing, the main housing including a main body portion and a grip portion operatively connected to the main body, the main housing defining a main housing cavity; An antenna housing operatively connected to a main housing, the antenna housing defining an antenna housing cavity, within which a plurality of inwardly extending reinforcing ribs are disposed. An antenna mounting bracket, which is at least partially disposed within the antenna housing cavity, and is operatively connected to the main body portion of the antenna housing and the main housing. as well as A first radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna, at least partially disposed within the antenna housing cavity, is operatively connected to the antenna mounting bracket. The antenna mounting bracket includes a bracket body and a flange portion. The flange portion is operatively connected to the upper portion of the bracket body. The bracket body is rotatably displaced relative to the flange portion. The reinforcing ribs restrict the relative movement between the bracket body and the antenna housing cavity.

2. The handheld scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna housing includes a front antenna housing and a rear antenna housing.

3. The handheld scanning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear housing of the antenna is operatively connected to a main support member that is at least partially disposed within the main housing cavity.

4. The handheld scanning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front housing of the antenna is operatively connected to the upper part of the main body.

5. The handheld scanning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear housing of the antenna is integral with the main housing.

6. The handheld scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first radio frequency identification antenna includes a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a structural support member disposed between the first circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board are electrically connected.

7. The handheld scanning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The structural support includes a third circuit board and a fourth circuit board.

8. The handheld scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an imaging system at least partially disposed within the main cavity, the imaging system being adapted to capture at least one image of an object appearing in the field of view (FOV) of the device.

9. An antenna system for a handheld scanning device, comprising: An antenna housing that defines an antenna housing cavity, within which a plurality of inwardly extending reinforcing ribs are disposed. A floating bracket, which is at least partially disposed within the antenna housing cavity, and an antenna mounting bracket operatively connected to the antenna housing; as well as A radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna, wherein the RFID antenna is at least partially disposed within the antenna housing cavity, and the RFID antenna is operatively connected to the antenna mounting bracket; When the floating bracket is operably connected to the antenna housing, the floating bracket can move within the antenna housing cavity. The antenna mounting bracket includes a bracket body and a flange portion. The flange portion is operatively connected to the upper portion of the bracket body. The bracket body is rotatably displaced relative to the flange portion. The reinforcing ribs restrict the relative movement between the bracket body and the antenna housing cavity.

10. The antenna system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The floating support also includes: At least one hook member, disposed on the support body, the at least one hook member being adapted to receive a first end of the radio frequency identification antenna; and At least one elastic member is disposed on the support body, and the at least one elastic member is adapted to receive the second end of the radio frequency identification antenna.

11. The antenna system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The antenna housing includes a front antenna housing and a rear antenna housing.

12. The antenna system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The rear housing of the antenna includes a mounting mechanism for operatively connecting to the main body of the handheld scanning device.

13. The antenna system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The front housing of the antenna includes a mounting mechanism for operatively connecting to the body of the handheld scanning device.

14. The antenna system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The radio frequency identification antenna includes a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a structural support member disposed between the first circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board are electrically connected.

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