Camera-Compatible Handle Adapter for Unobstructed Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices equipped with barcode scanning modules and cameras are often affixed to handles, but this configuration can obstruct the camera's field of view and light emitter's field of illumination, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
An accessory with an adapter that retains the device, featuring a channel with angled walls to unobstruct the camera's field of view and light emitter's field of illumination, and a handle mount positioned to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the mobile computing device is affixed to the handle with the camera positioned over the first opening, then the barcode scanning function is activated, but the camera's field of view and light emitter's field of illumination are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into multiple functional zones: a first opening for barcode scanning, a second opening for camera access, and channel walls that segment the space to guide light while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the adapter have specialized optical properties: the channel walls are positioned and angled to be transparent or translucent to light, while other portions provide structural support. The local quality of each region is optimized for its specific function - scanning or imaging.
2Ease of operation
If the accessory is designed with a trigger to activate the barcode reader module, then the barcode reading operation is facilitated, but other device functions are prevented from being used
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is designed with multi-functionality to support both barcode scanning and camera operations simultaneously. The adapter structure accommodates multiple functions by providing separate access paths - the trigger activates the barcode reader while the second opening enables camera functionality, making the accessory universal for different operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel walls act as intermediaries that manage the interaction between different functions. They are positioned to allow light to pass through to the camera while maintaining the structural framework that supports the trigger mechanism for barcode scanning, mediating between these two functions without preventing either from operating.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the channel walls are positioned to unobstruct the camera field of view, then the camera function is enabled, but the structural support for the handle mount is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The channel walls are positioned asymmetrically within the adapter structure, with varying thickness and positioning optimized for both optical access and structural support. This asymmetric design allows the channel to provide sufficient camera access while the thicker portions of the adapter maintain the necessary structural strength for handle mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support is distributed across multiple dimensions - the channel walls provide vertical support while the outer and inner walls provide lateral support. By distributing structural functions across different spatial dimensions, the design maintains overall strength while allowing optical access in specific directions.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for a mobile computing device having a camera with a field of view (FOV), includes: an adapter including: an inner wall having a first opening; a retention mechanism configured to releasably retain the mobile computing device against the inner wall with the camera positioned over the first opening; an outer wall joined to the inner wall by a set of side walls, the outer wall having a second opening with a second perimeter larger than a first perimeter of the first opening; a set of channel walls extending between the first perimeter of the first opening and the second perimeter of the second opening, the set of channel walls defining an open channel permitting the camera FOV to traverse the adapter substantially unobstructed; and a handle mount disposed on the outer wall.