Cordless Barcode Scanner With Inductive Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bar code reading technologies face challenges with scanning large or heavy items, as stationary presentation-type optical readers require manual repositioning of items into the scanner's field of view, leading to inefficiencies and customer frustration, while mobile hand held optical readers with hardwired connections are cumbersome and battery-powered wireless readers suffer from power requirements that make them heavy and difficult to wield.
Innovation Solution
A cordless bar code scanner with a hand held optical reader and a base unit, featuring a microprocessor, scan engine, and a short-cycle energy storage device with high power density, allowing for quick recharging and reduced operator fatigue, enabling efficient scanning of items at varying distances without the need for lengthy cords or heavy batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hardwired hand held optical reader is used, then scanning mobility is improved, but device weight and operator fatigue increase due to heavy batteries required for wireless operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery power system with an inductive power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. The hand held reader contains a coil that wirelessly receives power from a base unit through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for heavy batteries while maintaining scanning mobility.
2Length of moving object
If longer cords are provided to hardwired optical readers, then scanning range is improved, but device complexity and stowage time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cord connection with wireless electromagnetic power and data transmission. The hand held reader communicates with the base unit through wireless signals, eliminating the physical cord entirely and its associated stowage and complexity issues.
3Device complexity
If stationary presentation-type optical readers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but scanning efficiency decreases due to manual item repositioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary reader into a dynamic, mobile hand held device that can move to the item rather than requiring the item to be moved to the reader. This dynamic approach maintains relative simplicity while dramatically improving scanning efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wireless hand held optical readers with conventional batteries are used, then scanning flexibility is improved, but operator fatigue increases due to heavy batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with an electromagnetic energy transfer system. The hand held reader draws power inductively from the base unit during use, maintaining scanning flexibility while eliminating battery weight and associated operator fatigue.
Data Source
AI summary
A bar code reading terminal includes a cordless optical reader. The optical reader includes a microprocessor, a scan engine coupled to the microprocessor, a hand held housing supporting the scan engine, program memory coupled to the microprocessor, a decode processor circuit coupled to the microprocessor, and a short-cycle energy storage device coupled to the microprocessor. The energy storage device has high power density and low energy density. In one embodiment, the short-cycle energy storage device comprises a power density greater than 1 kW/kg. The bar code reading terminal further includes a base unit having a housing that includes a socket for receiving the hand held housing. The socket has a connector to facilitate transfer of bar code data messages from the hand held optical reader to the base unit. The connector also transfer powers from the base unit to the short-cycle energy storage device.