Light Pipe Integration in Handheld Scanning Engine Support Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld scanning devices face challenges in providing visual feedback for successful data capture and decoding due to space constraints and the need for physical protection, making it difficult to incorporate optical indicators like the 'Green Spot' effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical hardware system that utilizes a support frame to efficiently use limited space within the device, integrating a light pipe and light source to project a visual indicator, such as a green dot, for successful capture and decoding confirmation, while also providing structural support and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If components are densely packed to achieve compact handheld design, then device portability is improved, but space for additional optical indicator components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame combines multiple functions: it provides structural support for the device while simultaneously serving as the mounting structure for the optical indicator components. The light pipe is integrated into the support frame, with its side surface flush against the frame, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and maximizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame acts as a multi-functional component: it provides mechanical support for the scanning engine and other components, serves as a mounting structure for the light pipe and light source, and provides physical protection for sensitive components. This universal structure eliminates the need for dedicated separate structures for each function.
2Strength
If structural supports are made bulky to provide physical protection against shocks, then component protection is improved, but available space for optical components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame merges the protective function with the structural support function. The same frame that provides mechanical support and mounting for optical components also serves as the protective structure against shocks and impacts, eliminating the need for separate bulky protective housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame utilizes a thin-walled but structurally optimized design that provides sufficient protection against physical shocks while maintaining a compact profile. The frame's geometry and material selection enable it to absorb and distribute impact forces without requiring excessive thickness.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicator components are added to provide feedback, then user confirmation capability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical indicator system merges the light source, light pipe, and support structure into a single integrated assembly. The light pipe is directly mounted on the support frame with its side surface flush against the frame, simplifying the overall structure and reducing the number of separate components that would increase 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
Enables efficient use of space within handheld scanning devices to provide effective visual feedback on successful data capture and decoding, enhancing user confirmation without compromising physical protection or device compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a light pipe (450) may be supported by the support structure (200)... to project light from an outlet end (413) of the light pipe (450)...
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
In a handheld scanning device, a support frame configured to physically support an indicia scanning engine configured to scan and interpret an indicia and a light pipe within a casing of a scanning device. The light pipe extends along and flush against a surface of a planar portion of the support frame. Multiple ribs of elongate shape are formed integrally with the planar portion. A plurality of the ribs of the multiple ribs each define a gap in the elongate shape through which the light pipe may extend. The support frame may support the indicia scanning engine and the light pipe in predetermined relative positions to cause a central projection axis along which light is projected from an outlet end of the light pipe to extend in parallel with a central scanning axis extending from a front end of the indicia scanning engine, and toward a surface that carries the indicia.