Adjustable Rail Mounting Assembly for Tool-Free Scanner Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scale/scanner devices lack an efficient method for installing different scanners and adjusting their orientation within a given enclosure, requiring time-consuming tool-based hardware replacement processes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of adjustable mounting rail systems, including spring-loaded retention mechanisms, allows for easy installation and orientation adjustment of scanners along multiple axes without the need for tools, enabling various scanner types and orientations within a single scale/scanner device enclosure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed mounting hardware is used, then the scanner is securely mounted, but installing different scanners or adjusting orientation requires time-consuming tool-based hardware replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanner interchangeabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system transitions from fixed to dynamic/adjustable positioning. The scanner can be mounted at multiple positions along the enclosure using an adjustable rail mechanism, allowing orientation changes without permanent installation modifications. The system enables continuous position adjustment rather than discrete fixed mounting points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: an adjustable rail assembly, positioning mechanisms, and scanner mounting interfaces. This segmentation allows the scanner to be independently positioned and oriented without affecting the overall enclosure structure, enabling quick interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed mounting hardware is used, then the scanner is securely mounted, but the process requires tools and hardware replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanner orientation flexibilityVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable rail mounting system serves multiple functions: it provides secure scanner attachment, enables position adjustment along the rail, allows orientation changes, and facilitates quick scanner interchange. This single universal mounting mechanism replaces multiple specialized hardware components that would otherwise be needed for different mounting scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system incorporates self-adjusting features that allow scanner positioning without requiring external tools or complex alignment procedures. The mechanism enables the installer to directly position and secure the scanner through intuitive manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If scanner position is fixed relative to the enclosure, then the mounting is simple, but the scan pattern or imaging field of view cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidscan optimization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The scanner mounting position is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing adjustment along the rail to optimize the scan pattern or imaging field of view. The system maintains operational simplicity while enabling position optimization through straightforward manual adjustment of the scanner along the mounting rail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates quick and tool-free installation and orientation adjustments of scanners, enhancing versatility and efficiency in integrating different scanners with scale/scanner devices, reducing installation time and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

spring-loaded retention mechanisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10188225B2Adjustable scanner mounting assembly and method
Publication Date: 2019.01.29 METTLER-TOLEDO LLC
  • US10188225B2 patent drawingFigure N/A

AI summary

Assemblies and methods for adjustably mounting scanners in scale/scanner devices, and scale/scanner devices employing such assemblies.