Bi-optic Barcode Reader Weigh Platter Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bi-optic barcode readers in retail settings face challenges in providing versatile weigh platter configurations that effectively retain items and prevent liquids or debris from transitioning below the platter, leading to structural and electrical issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a weigh platter with a central region allowing light transmission, surrounded by non-parallel lateral edges that extend above the transverse plane, featuring a transparent medium and angled surfaces to constrain items and retain foreign matter on the surface, enhancing barcode reading and weight measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the weigh platter uses a simple flat design, then the manufacturing is easier and the structure is simpler, but it cannot effectively retain items and allows liquids or debris to transition below the platter
Solution Approach 1:
The platter design transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional structure with elevated lateral edges that extend above the transverse plane. This dimensional change creates a retaining boundary that prevents items and liquids from falling off or transitioning below the platter, while the central region remains accessible for barcode scanning and weight measurement.
2Reliability
If the lateral edges extend high above the transverse plane, then item retention is improved, but the barcode reading accuracy may be compromised due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The platter design applies local quality differentiation by maintaining a flat, open central region for barcode scanning and weight measurement, while only the lateral edge regions extend above the transverse plane. This localized elevation provides item retention functionality without obstructing the central scanning area, allowing the barcode reader to accurately read codes while the elevated edges prevent item displacement.
3Illumination intensity
If the platter uses a transparent medium, then light transmission for barcode reading is improved, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The platter employs a composite structure combining a transparent medium (such as acrylic or glass) for the central scanning region to enable barcode reading, with supporting lateral edge structures that provide mechanical strength. The transparent material allows light transmission while the elevated edge configurations provide structural integrity and item retention, creating a multi-functional composite design.
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
This configuration effectively retains items and foreign matter on the platter's surface, reducing the risk of structural and electrical issues, and improves the reliability of barcode reading and weight measurement processes in retail environments.
Implementation Method 1
a central region extending in a transverse plane, the central region including a window configured to permit light to pass therethrough, the window having a transparent medium
Data Source
AI summary
At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to barcode readers having weigh platters. In an example, a barcode reader includes a weigh platter having a central region, a proximal edge region, a first lateral edge region, a second lateral edge region, and a distal edge region, where a the first lateral edge of the first lateral edge region and a second lateral edge of the second lateral edge region extends above a transverse plane defined by the central region.