Magnetic Shelf Imaging Device for Contactless Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf imaging devices are cumbersome and require manual actuation, which can be cumbersome and prone to damage, and their magnetic unlocking mechanisms pose risks to medical devices due to high residual magnetism.
Innovation Solution
A shelf imaging device with a magnetic actuator that uses a limited residual magnetism of 1.4 Tesla or less, integrated into a compact design that allows remote unlocking and is compatible with standard electronic shelf label unlocking tools, ensuring safe and efficient detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual actuation mechanism is used for locking/unlocking, then the device can be securely mounted, but the operation becomes cumbersome and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical actuation system with a magnetic actuation system. The engaging member is actuated by magnetic force from a magnet held by the user, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of mechanical components. This substitution maintains secure mounting reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation, as users can simply bring a magnet close to the device to unlock it remotely without physical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the user and the engaging member. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnetic field serves as the medium to transmit the unlocking force. This intermediary allows remote actuation, enabling users to unlock the device from a distance without touching potentially damaged or hard-to-reach mechanical components.
2Ease of operation
If high residual magnetism is used for unlocking, then the magnetic unlocking mechanism is effective, but it poses risks to medical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameter by specifying that the magnet used for unlocking should have a residual magnetism of 1.4 Tesla or less. This parameter adjustment maintains sufficient unlocking effectiveness while reducing the harmful effects on medical devices. By controlling the magnetic field strength within this threshold, the system achieves a balance between operational effectiveness and safety for users with medical implants.
3Volume of moving object
If compact design is implemented, then the device is aesthetically pleasing and space-efficient, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic actuation capability from the main device body, allowing the locking mechanism to remain simple while enabling compact design. The engaging member is designed to be actuated by an external magnet rather than requiring complex internal magnetic components. This extraction allows the device to maintain a compact, aesthetically pleasing form factor while the locking mechanism remains relatively simple, as it relies on the interaction between a simple engaging member and an external magnet.
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 solution provides a compact, aesthetically pleasing, and safe unlocking mechanism that minimizes disruptions to medical devices and simplifies the detachment process while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to move the engaging member between a locking position where the shelf imaging device is locked into the shelf support and a free position where the shelf imaging device is free to be displaced relative to the shelf support, the actuator comprising a magnetic element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a shelf imaging device for a shelf support, wherein the shelf support is installed on a shelf edge and comprises a receiving section configured to receive electronic shelf labels on the shelf support. The shelf imaging device comprises a back side (302) configured to be removably fitted in the receiving section, a front side (301) opposite to the back side (302), an optical sensor (305) configured to acquire an image of shelves facing the front side (301), an engaging member for engaging the receiving section so as to lock the shelf imaging device into the shelf support, when the engaging member protrudes from the shelf imaging device, at or behind the back side (302) of the shelf imaging device and an actuator (503).