Commodity Data Processing Apparatus with Detachable Rear Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-service point-of-sale (POS) terminals often have a fixed device layout that may not be optimized for user-specific operation methods, leading to over-engineering and unnecessary expenses due to the inclusion of unused features.

Innovation Solution

A commodity-data processing apparatus with detachable components such as a receipt printer, scanner, and card reader, allowing for customizable device layouts where each unit has a rear opening that can be covered by a shared back cover, enabling flexible arrangement and maintenance without additional framing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If devices are vertically disposed side by side to reduce footprint, then the device layout is compact, but the device becomes over-engineered when certain components are not used, leading to unnecessary expenses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefootprint of self-POSVSAvoidcustomization of device layout
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The back cover is divided into multiple detachable sections corresponding to each device (scanner, card reader, printer). Each section can be independently attached or removed, allowing the device layout to be customized based on user needs while maintaining a compact vertical arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device configuration is made dynamic through detachable back cover sections that allow users to add or remove components (scanner, card reader, printer) based on their specific operational requirements, transforming a static fixed layout into an adaptable configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed device layout is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but user-specific operation methods cannot be optimized, leading to over-engineering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiduser-specific operation optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The back cover is segmented into standardized detachable sections that can be easily manufactured using conventional processes. Each section corresponds to a specific device type, allowing for simple production while enabling flexible assembly configurations to meet different user operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If devices are detachably fixed to each other, then maintenance is simplified, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance simplicityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The back cover is divided into separate detachable sections for each device, allowing individual components to be easily accessed for maintenance or replacement without disassembling the entire device assembly. This segmentation simplifies repair operations while adding minimal structural complexity through straightforward attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3528222A1Commodity-data processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP3528222A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3528222A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3528222A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A commodity-data processing apparatus a receipt printer, a scanner, and a cover. The receipt printer includes a printer housing having a first rear opening. The scanner includes a scanner housing having a second rear opening. The scanner housing is disposed adjacent to the printer housing and detachably fixed to the printer housing. The cover covers the first rear opening of the receipt printer and the second rear opening of the scanner.