Barcode Reader Cradle With Nested Coils for Reliable Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional charging methods for barcode readers, such as direct electrical contact and inductive charging, face inefficiencies and alignment issues, leading to incomplete charging and high power consumption in misaligned orientations, particularly in presentation cradles.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reader and cradle assembly with tapered regions and nested inductive coils that ensure proper alignment and efficient charging, utilizing a rechargeable power source and coils that generate and receive an oscillating electromagnetic field for efficient power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional direct electrical contact charging is used, then charging connection is established, but the electrical connections are difficult to clean and not sealed to water, dust, and ESD
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct electrical contact system with an inductive charging system using electromagnetic fields. The cradle contains a charging coil that generates an electromagnetic field to wirelessly transfer power to the reader, eliminating physical electrical contacts and their associated vulnerabilities to environmental factors.
2Ease of operation
If inductive charging with flat coils is used, then wireless charging is achieved, but the coils may not be aligned efficiently resulting in insufficient charge rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested coil configuration where the reader coil is positioned within the cradle coil structure. This nesting arrangement ensures optimal magnetic coupling and alignment between the transmitting and receiving coils, maximizing the efficiency of wireless power transfer and achieving the required charge rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a flat planar coil arrangement to a three-dimensional nested coil structure. This dimensional change allows for better magnetic field coupling and alignment, improving the efficiency of inductive charging while maintaining wireless convenience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the reader is placed in misaligned orientation in the cradle, then the reader can be retained, but inefficient charging occurs and the reader may not charge sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The nested coil configuration creates a magnetic field distribution that is tolerant to minor positional variations. The cradle coil completely surrounds the reader coil, ensuring that even with some misalignment, sufficient magnetic coupling is maintained to achieve reliable charging.
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
The nested coil arrangement achieves charging efficiency of at least 75% across 2-5W power output, ensuring the reader is always ready for the next transaction by maintaining alignment and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The second coil is adapted to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field in response to an alternating current applied across the second coil. The first coil is adapted to carry an induced current in response to being exposed to the oscillating electromatic field
Data Source
AI summary
Barcode reader and cradle assemblies for inductive charging include a reader for capturing at least one image of an object and a cradle that retains the reader. The reader includes a head portion including an opening at least partially defining the FOV, a handle portion, a foot portion forming a tapered foot region, a rechargeable power source coupled with the reader to be electrically charged and to supply an electric charge to power the reader, and a first coil positioned within or around the tapered foot region coupled with the rechargeable power source. The cradle includes a body portion including a tapered body region and a second coil positioned therewithin or therearound that generates an oscillating electromagnetic field in response to an alternating current. The tapered foot region removably couples with the tapered body region to retain the reader. When the reader is retained within the cradle, at least one of the first or second coils is nested within the other of the coils.