Barcode Reader Scale Assembly Platter Power Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical barcode reader assemblies and scale assemblies face challenges in providing directed power and communications to the platter without compromising weighing accuracy or making the platter difficult to remove for cleaning/maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a barcode reader assembly with a scale assembly that includes a load cell, a stationary frame, a movable load arm, and a platter. An electrical circuit is configured to provide power to the platter, following the weigh path of the load cell and secured to solid regions of the scale assembly to avoid impacting weight readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electrical circuit is provided to the platter, then power and communications can be delivered to the platter, but the weighing accuracy of the scale assembly may be disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical circuit is segmented into three distinct portions: a first end portion fixed to the stationary frame, a middle portion following the weigh path and fixed to the load cell, and a second end portion fixed to the movable load arm. This segmentation allows the circuit to be distributed along the mechanical path, isolating electrical connections from the critical weighing zone while maintaining power delivery to the platter.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle portion of the electrical circuit acts as an intermediary element that follows the weigh path of the load cell. By positioning this portion along the mechanical load path and securing it to the load cell structure, the circuit serves as a mediator that transfers electrical signals without introducing external interference to the weighing measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electrical circuit is fixedly secured to the load cell, then power can be provided to the platter, but the platter becomes difficult to remove for cleaning/maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical circuit is divided into fixed portions (first end portion to stationary frame, second end portion to movable load arm) and a flexible middle portion. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones where the circuit is firmly anchored at endpoints but remains flexible and non-restrictive in the middle, allowing the platter to be removed without disturbing fixed electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle portion of the electrical circuit is configured to be flexible, allowing it to bend and move with the platter during removal and reinstallation. This flexibility enables the platter to be easily accessed for cleaning and maintenance while the electrical circuit remains intact and continues to provide power and communications.
3Measurement precision
If the electrical circuit follows the weigh path of the load cell, then weighing accuracy is maintained, but the circuit configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical circuit is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power and communications to the platter while also following the weigh path of the load cell to maintain weighing accuracy. By integrating these functions into a single circuit configuration with three portions, the design eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical circuit merges the power delivery function with the mechanical weigh path structure. By routing the circuit along the same path as the mechanical load transmission and securing it to the load cell, the electrical and mechanical systems are combined in a way that simplifies overall system architecture while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An example bioptic barcode reader assembly includes a barcode reader, a metal frame secured to a housing of the barcode reader, and a scale assembly positioned between the barcode reader and the metal frame. The scale assembly has a load cell, a stationary frame secured to the metal frame and fixedly mounted on a first end of the load cell, a movable load arm fixedly mounted on a second end of the load cell, a platter removably positioned on the load arm, and an electrical circuit configured to provide power to the platter. The electrical circuit follows a weigh path of the load cell and includes a first end portion adjacent the stationary frame, a middle portion having at least a portion fixedly secured to the load cell, and a second end portion having at least a portion fixedly secured to the movable load arm.