Barcode Scanner Rotational Assembly With Nested Low-Clearance Housing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing barcode scanning devices often have unreliable rotational positioning mechanisms and exposed components that are susceptible to environmental interference and user safety issues, such as finger pinching, especially when used in handheld applications.

Innovation Solution

A barcode scanner assembly with a base and scanner enclosure mechanically coupled via a ratchet and linkage system, allowing for robust rotational positioning with minimal clearance and protected components, resembling a ball-and-socket connection but using a ratcheting mechanism to facilitate unobstructed rotation while minimizing gaps and exposure to elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotational positioning mechanism is used to allow the scanning device to move, then the field of view can be positioned to capture images of desired objects, but the mechanism may be unreliable and have exposed components susceptible to environmental interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidmechanism reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The scanner enclosure is nested within the curved surface of the base, with the bottom portion of the scanner enclosure positioned inside the curved surface. This nesting arrangement protects the rotational mechanism components from environmental interference while maintaining the positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a curved surface design where the base defines a curved surface and the scanner enclosure bottom portion is positioned within this curved surface. This creates a protective shell structure that encloses the mechanical components, shielding them from dirt, grime, and other environmental factors while allowing rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rotational positioning mechanism is used to allow the scanning device to move, then the field of view can be positioned to capture images of desired objects, but exposed components may lead to user safety issues such as finger pinching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoiduser safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The scanner enclosure is nested within the curved surface of the base, with the bottom portion of the scanner enclosure positioned inside the curved surface. This nesting arrangement protects the rotational mechanism components from environmental interference while maintaining the positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a curved surface design where the base defines a curved surface and the scanner enclosure bottom portion is positioned within this curved surface. This creates a protective shell structure that encloses the mechanical components, shielding them from dirt, grime, and other environmental factors while allowing rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution provides a reliable and user-friendly rotational mechanism that protects against environmental interference and reduces the risk of finger pinching, ensuring consistent operation and improved usability in handheld scanning applications.

Implementation Method 1

A barcode scanner assembly with a base and scanner enclosure mechanically coupled via a ratchet and linkage system, allowing for robust rotational positioning with minimal clearance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS11288473B2Industrial digital barcode scanner

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

A barcode scanner assembly for capturing at least one object appearing in a field of view (FOV) is provided that includes a base defining a curved base surface and a scanner enclosure being mechanically coupled to the base. The scanner enclosure includes a top portion and a bottom portion opposite the top portion. The bottom portion of the scanner enclosure is positioned proximate to the base. The bottom portion of the scanner enclosure includes a curved scanner enclosure surface. The curved base surface and the curved scanner enclosure surface are nested such that a clearance of less than approximately 5 mm is formed between the curved base surface and the curved scanner enclosure surface.