FSR Switch Trigger Assembly for Ergonomic Barcode Reader Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical readers using semiconductor laser diodes face difficulties in user aiming due to non-readily visible laser light, leading to inefficient symbol reading, especially with fast scanning rates and ambient light interference, and existing control switches are ergonomically inefficient and require high actuation force.
Innovation Solution
A control switch arrangement incorporating a force sensing resistor (FSR) switch and a control switch on a common circuit board, with a trigger assembly that allows low actuation force and minimal travel stroke for the FSR switch, and a longer travel stroke for the control switch, enabling ergonomic efficiency and differentiation between operational states for aiming and reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a semiconductor laser diode is used to generate laser light, then the reader can be made more compact and portable, but the laser light becomes non-readily visible to the user, making aiming difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary aiming light source (separate from the laser diode) that provides visible light to assist the user in aiming. This mediator allows the user to see where the laser beam will be positioned without requiring the laser light itself to be visible, thus resolving the contradiction between using a compact laser diode and maintaining ease of aiming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the aiming function from the reading function by using distinct light sources: a visible aiming light source for user guidance and a semiconductor laser diode for actual symbol reading. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
2Productivity
If the laser diode scanning rate is increased to improve productivity, then more symbols can be read per second, but the laser light becomes even less visible to the user, worsening the aiming difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The visible aiming light serves as an intermediary that remains independent of the scanning rate. While the laser diode scanning rate increases to improve productivity, the aiming light continues to provide stable visual guidance, decoupling the two functions and allowing high-speed scanning without compromising aiming ease.
3Reliability
If a conventional control switch is used, then the device can be controlled, but high actuation force and long travel stroke are required, reducing ergonomic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical switch with a force sensing resistor (FSR), which substitutes mechanical actuation with electrical sensing. The FSR detects the applied force and converts it to an electrical signal, eliminating the need for long travel strokes and high actuation forces while maintaining reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from mechanical displacement (long travel stroke) to force detection (short travel stroke). By using an FSR, the system detects control input through force application rather than mechanical movement, significantly improving ergonomic efficiency while maintaining control reliability.
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 solution enables precise and efficient control of operational states with low actuation force and minimal travel stroke, improving ergonomic efficiency and reducing the time and effort required for symbol reading, particularly in portable hand-held applications.
Implementation Method 1
A force sensing resistor (FSR) switch and a control switch mounted within the reader
Implementation Method 2
the laser light beam was generated by a semiconductor laser diode
Implementation Method 3
detecting the scanned laser light which is reflected off the symbol
Data Source
AI summary
A control switch arrangement for sequentially controlling different operating states in a moving beam reader or an imager employs a force sensing resistor switch requiring a low actuation force, and a control switch with improved tactile feedback and ergonomic efficiency between the switches.