Self-Centering Concave Top Plate for Optical Scanner Weigh Scale
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Solution Overview
Problem
The top plate of optical code scanners with integrated weigh scales is a major cost component and prone to errors due to items rolling off or moving around, which hinders the development of lower-cost scales and slows down the weighing process.
Innovation Solution
The top plate is redesigned to be composed of a low-cost, durable, translucent material with a concave shape that self-centers items and reduces movement, featuring a neutral color and matte finish to minimize reflections and enhance item identification through diffuse lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the top plate is made of optically clear material with uniform thickness to allow light passage, then optical scanning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optically clear material layer from the top plate, extracting only the essential weighing function. The top plate is now made of inexpensive opaque material like stainless steel, eliminating the need for costly optically clear materials while maintaining scanning capability through alternative light paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The top plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables weighing through load cell integration, and allows optical scanning through its translucent design. The single component performs mechanical, optical, and measurement functions that previously required separate specialized materials.
2Illumination intensity
If the top plate is made of flat sheet material, then optical light passage is improved, but item stability deteriorates causing rolling and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a concave curvature to the top plate surface, creating a self-centering effect that prevents items from rolling off or moving during weighing. The curved geometry naturally guides items to the center position while the translucent material maintains optical functionality.
3Strength
If a strong material is used to enclose the optically clear material for support, then structural strength is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive optically clear materials with inexpensive opaque materials like stainless steel for the top plate. The design accepts that the top plate may need replacement but prioritizes low initial cost and ease of manufacture, using readily available materials.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the top plate allows light passage for scanning, then scanning capability is improved, but item identification accuracy deteriorates due to reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a neutral color and matte finish for the top plate surface to minimize specular reflections that interfere with optical scanning and item identification. The neutral coloration reduces unwanted light reflections while the matte finish diffuses light to prevent glare.
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 design reduces costs, prevents item displacement, and improves the accuracy and speed of item scanning and weighing by maintaining items on the plate and enhancing optical code reading capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The translucent light that passes through the top plate is used to better define or silhouette the outline of items placed on the top plate for identification
Implementation Method 2
The top plate is formed into a concave shape that self-centers items placed on the top plate. This prevents them from rolling off and dampens their movement
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanner comprising a weigh scale is presented with a self-centering top plate. The design of the top plate creates a horizontal gravitation vector on objects placed on and away from the center of the top plate. The force vector is directed toward the center of the top plate and diminishes to zero as the object approaches the center of the top plate.