Modular Retail Scale Sensor Module Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retail scales are complex to manufacture and require significant space, making them unsuitable for universal use and easy expansion, especially in small retail settings where they need to handle both fresh and packaged items with minimal additional equipment and space.
Innovation Solution
A compact retail scale design featuring a standing housing with a base, display device, and a modular sensor module that includes a load cell and barcode scanner, allowing for easy installation and expansion, along with an electronic control device that manages various interfaces for connecting components, printers, and payment systems, enabling both weighing and billing of items without additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional POS terminals with weighing devices are used, then weighing and billing functions are available, but the device complexity and installation space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the barcode scanner and load cell into a single integrated sensor module that fits within the existing scale housing. This merging of functions allows the scale to handle both fresh items (weighing) and packaged items (barcode scanning) without requiring separate POS terminal equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity and space requirements while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The scale is designed with a universal sensor module that can perform multiple functions: weighing fresh items via the load cell and identifying packaged items via the barcode scanner. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices, reducing device complexity and installation space while maintaining adaptability for different retail scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional devices are added to handle packaged items with barcodes, then billing capability is improved, but the installation space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode scanner is integrated into the existing scale structure as part of the sensor module, merging two functions (weighing and barcode scanning) into a single physical unit. This eliminates the need for separate barcode scanning devices and reduces installation space while maintaining the ability to handle packaged items
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular sensor module design is used, then ease of installation and expansion is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is designed as a separate, self-contained unit with the barcode scanner and load cell integrated together. This segmentation allows the module to be pre-assembled and tested independently, then easily installed or replaced in the scale housing without requiring complex precision alignment during final assembly, thus improving ease of installation while managing manufacturing precision requirements
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 cost-effective and space-saving system that can handle both fresh and packaged items, supporting cashless and cash transactions with a unified user interface, and offering flexible operation modes, suitable for small shops and self-service applications.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell (33) connected to the load plate (31) for detecting the weight of goods (20) to be weighed placed on the load plate (31)
Implementation Method 2
a barcode scanner (32) for detecting barcodes of the goods (20) to be weighed or of the articles (10) to be weighed; The load plate (31) has a viewing window, ie the surface is partially transparent, so that the barcode scanner (32) can detect barcodes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The scale has a housing (7) for positioning on an even surface such as sales counter. The housing has a display device (2) connected with a support (11) for displaying information. A sensor module (3) is accommodated in the support and designed as a standard component. The sensor module comprises a weighing cell connected with a load plate (31) for weight measurement, and a scanner (32) for detecting barcode. An electronic control device is arranged with in the housing that comprises mechanical interface for supporting displays (21) e.g. touch screen, and printer (4).