Convertible Slot Scanner Assembly for Dual-Orientation Barcode Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode readers have different design requirements for horizontal and vertical orientations due to differing fields of view, necessitating separate accessories for each orientation, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A convertible slot scanner assembly with a chassis that can accommodate an imaging assembly and a housing, allowing for both horizontal and vertical configurations, using interchangeable adapters and a shared window for both orientations, and including interface elements for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate accessories are used for horizontal and vertical orientations, then each orientation has optimized field of view, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal housing structure that can accommodate the same imaging assembly in both horizontal and vertical orientations. The housing includes a first cavity for horizontal configuration and a second cavity for vertical configuration, allowing a single scanner unit to serve multiple orientations without requiring separate accessories for each orientation type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate accessories are used for horizontal and vertical orientations, then each orientation has optimized field of view, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal housing structure that can accommodate the same imaging assembly in both horizontal and vertical orientations. The housing includes a first cavity for horizontal configuration and a second cavity for vertical configuration, allowing a single scanner unit to serve multiple orientations without requiring separate accessories for each orientation type.
3Device complexity
If a single housing structure is used for both orientations, then device complexity is reduced, but field of view optimization may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into distinct functional regions: a first cavity configured for horizontal orientation with a first opening, and a second cavity configured for vertical orientation with a second opening. This segmentation allows each cavity to be optimized for its specific orientation while maintaining a unified housing structure that reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a movable partition wall that can shift between positions to enable the housing to switch between horizontal and vertical configurations. This dynamic element allows a single static housing structure to adapt to different operational orientations, maintaining field of view optimization while reducing device complexity.
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 assembly reduces costs by using shared parts and simplifies implementation in various environments, ensuring efficient barcode reading in both orientations with a single scanner unit, and maintains accessibility of user interfaces regardless of configuration.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of an object in a field of view (FOV)
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible slot scanner assembly for capturing at least one object appearing in a field of view (FOV) is provided that includes a chassis having an optical cavity and a front opening, a scanning window configured to at least partially cover the front opening of the chassis, and an illumination element disposed inside of the optical cavity of the chassis at a position recessed from the scanning window, the illumination element disposed proximal the front opening, the illumination element configured to provide illumination along an illumination axis that is non-parallel with the optical axis, and where the illumination element provides illumination with an illumination angle that is oblique relative to the normal axis of the scanning window.