Magnetic Docking Station for Barcode Reader Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing barcode readers lack efficient and convenient charging solutions, which limits their operational duration and usability in various environments.

Innovation Solution

A docking station with a magnetic structure and positioning mechanism that aligns and secures the barcode reader for charging, incorporating charging contacts and circuitry to provide power and data connectivity, allowing for extended operation and easy charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a docking station with magnetic structure and positioning mechanism is implemented, then charging reliability and alignment precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging reliabilityVSAvoiddocking station structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment and securing mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic structure generates magnetic force to automatically align and secure the barcode reader in the docking station, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guides, clips, or adjustment mechanisms. This substitution maintains high charging reliability while reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic positioning system enables the barcode reader to self-align and self-secure within the docking station through magnetic attraction. The magnetic force automatically guides the reader into the correct position and maintains secure contact without requiring external mechanical constraints or manual adjustment, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the docking station's structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of moving object

If charging contacts and circuitry are integrated into the docking station, then operational duration is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiddocking station manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station is designed with multi-functional charging contacts that can accommodate different barcode reader models and configurations. The circuitry is configured to universally recognize and charge various battery types, and the magnetic structure can adapt to different reader sizes. This universal design approach extends battery life across multiple device types while simplifying the manufacturing process by using standardized components rather than custom-built solutions for each device variant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If positioning structure is added to align barcode reader, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddocking station structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning structures such as guide rails, alignment pins, or adjustable mounts with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The magnetic force automatically aligns the barcode reader with the charging contacts by attracting the reader's magnetic components to corresponding positions in the docking station. This achieves high alignment precision while eliminating complex mechanical positioning mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 docking station enables extended battery life and convenient charging of barcode readers, enhancing their usability in various settings by ensuring reliable power supply and data transfer.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic structure is for holding the barcode reader against the mating surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The charging contacts, including at least one charging contact for power and at least one charging contact for ground, are coupled to mating contacts on the barcode reader

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9876372B2Barcode reader and docking station for charging the barcode reader

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 THE CODE CORP

AI summary

A barcode reader and a docking station for charging the barcode reader are disclosed. The barcode reader may be an elongated pen-shaped device that includes a capacitive tip for use as a stylus against a capacitive touch screen and a barcode reader for reading a barcode. The barcode reader may be docked in the docking station for charging. The docking station may include a magnetic structure for holding the barcode reader to the docking station, and a positioning structure for aligning the charging contacts of the barcode reader and the docking station. The docking station may include a battery such that the barcode reader may be charged from the battery while being docked in the docking station.