Grip-Enabled Switch for Imaging Reader Mode Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Imaging readers face reliability issues due to susceptibility to liquid spills and dirt in the base electronics and mechanical failures from flexible connections between the base and handle, complicating switching between hands-free and handheld modes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a grip-enabling switch and controller system that automatically switches between modes based on user grip detection, eliminating the need for electronics in the base and reducing mechanical failures by using a grip-enabling switch actuated by the user's grip, which is strategically positioned on the handle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronics are placed in the base of the imaging reader to detect hands-free mode, then mode detection capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to liquid spills and dirt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode detection capabilityVSAvoidelectronic component reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the electronics from the base and relocates them to the handle. The base no longer contains electronic components, eliminating the problem of liquid spills and dirt affecting electronics. The handle, which is more protected from environmental contaminants, now houses the electronics needed for mode detection and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the imaging reader into two functional segments: a base that provides structural support and positioning, and a handle that contains all electronic components. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function and protects electronics from environmental factors in the base.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If flexible connections are used between base and handle for mode switching, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidmechanical connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the flexible connection mechanism from the base and relocates the mode switching functionality to the handle. The handle now contains all necessary electronics and switching mechanisms, eliminating the need for flexible connections between base and handle, thereby removing the source of mechanical failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If base electronics are used for mode detection, then functionality is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to liquid damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode detection functionalityVSAvoidelectronic component repairability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts all electronic components from the base and relocates them to the handle. This separation means that if electronic components fail, they can be replaced without replacing the entire base unit. The base remains a simple, inexpensive structural component, while the handle contains replaceable electronic modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10354107B2Switch for switching between hands-free and handheld modes of operation in an imaging reader

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for switching an optical imaging reader between a hands-free mode and a handheld mode using a grip-enabling switch, which is actuated by a user's grip on the handle of the reader in order to switch from the hands-free mode to the handheld mode, and which switches from the handheld mode to the hands-free mode if the grip-enabling switch is no longer actuated.