Latching Mechanism for Hands-Free Mobile Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile scanning devices require workers to use one hand for scanning, leaving the other hand free for other tasks, which can lead to accidents and reduced efficiency due to the need for manual handling and operation.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism with a dual switch design in an adapter module that allows secure attachment of mobile scanning devices to various attachment members, enabling automatic or gesture-based triggering and reducing the device's form factor, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement with attachment members like finger loops, gloves, or lanyards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers use handheld mobile scanning devices, then scanning capability is achieved, but worker safety and operational efficiency deteriorate due to manual handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter module as an intermediary component that connects the mobile scanning device to attachment members (wrist strap, finger loop, or glove). This adapter serves as a mediator between the device and the worker's body, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining secure attachment and triggering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the mobile scanning device, the adapter module, and the attachment member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the device for scanning, the adapter for connection and triggering, and the attachment member for secure body mounting.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a secure attachment mechanism is implemented, then device stability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional latching components
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component within the adapter module rather than being integrated into the mobile scanning device itself. This extraction simplifies the overall system by isolating the complexity to a specific functional area while keeping the device design clean and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded tongues that automatically engage with recesses in the attachment member when the adapter is properly positioned. The spring force provides automatic locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
3Volume of moving object
If the device form factor is reduced, then portability improves, but attachment mechanism reliability may worsen due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism components (tongues, recesses, springs) are nested within the compact adapter module housing. The adapter itself nests between the mobile device and the attachment member, creating a compact layered structure that maintains full functionality while minimizing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter module uses flexible spring elements that can be compressed into compact forms while maintaining their locking function. The spring-loaded tongues can be deflected into small spaces and then expand to engage securely with the attachment member recesses.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose a latching mechanism that enables engagement of modules on a mobile scanning device. The latching mechanism includes a release switch that translates between a first position and a second position. The release switch is coupled to a latch body that includes a first tongue section and a second tongue section. The first tongue section engages with the mobile scanning device, while the second tongue section engages with an attachment member. When the release switch is moved to a first position, the mobile scanning device is disengaged. When the release switch is moved to the second position, the attachment member is disengaged.