Magnetic Scanner Mount for Hands-Free Vehicle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of hand-held scanning devices to track items during loading onto a delivery vehicle is inefficient, as it requires manual operation, leading to interruptions and potential damage to the device.
Innovation Solution
A scanning device mounting apparatus that includes a magnetic mounting component, a hose with adjusting components, and a cradle to securely hold the scanning device, allowing it to be mounted near the loading area of a vehicle for hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hand-held scanning devices are used to track items during loading, then scanning can be performed, but manual operation is required leading to interruptions and potential device damage
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning device is mounted in a fixed position near the loading area, allowing it to autonomously scan items as they pass by during the loading process. The device serves itself by being positioned to automatically detect and scan barcodes without requiring human intervention, thus eliminating interruptions and potential damage from manual handling
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning device is pre-positioned in an optimal location near the loading area before the loading process begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the device is ready to continuously scan items as they move through the loading zone, eliminating the need for manual operation during the actual loading process
2Extent of automation
If the scanning device is mounted near the loading area for hands-free operation, then continuous scanning is enabled, but the mounting structure must be adjustable to accommodate different scanning angles and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates adjustable components including a ball and socket joint that allows the scanning device to be positioned at various angles and orientations. This dynamic adjustability enables the device to be configured for optimal scanning coverage while maintaining a relatively simple overall mounting structure that can accommodate different scanning requirements
3Ease of manufacture
If a magnetic mounting component is used to attach the scanning device, then quick installation and removal is possible, but the mounting surface must be magnetic compatible
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic mounting component is separated from the main scanning device body, allowing it to be independently attached to magnetic-compatible surfaces such as vehicle doors or frames. This extraction enables quick installation and removal of the scanning device while the magnetic component can be repositioned on different magnetic surfaces as needed, providing versatility across various mounting locations
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 continuous scanning of items without manual intervention, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of device damage, while allowing for quick loading of multiple items.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic mounting component may include at least one of a neodymium magnet or a samarium cobalt magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning device mounting apparatus includes a mounting component, which may be magnetic; a hose coupled to the mounting component at a first distal end of the hose; an adjusting component coupled to a second distal end of the hose; and a cradle coupled to the adjusting component. The cradle can hold a scanning device, and the scanning device mounting apparatus is configured to position the scanning device in a manner that allows the scanning device to scan the labels on items that are being moved under or near the scanning device, such as packages or other items that are being loaded onto a delivery vehicle.