Optical Trigger Handle for Portable Scanner Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic triggers in portable electronic devices lack tactile feedback and are susceptible to false activations due to varying magnetic strengths, and are prone to contamination issues when physical connections are present, which can impair functionality during use in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A scanning assembly with a handle attachment that utilizes an optical sensor and a light source, where the light source emits a signal upon manipulation, allowing the portable electronic device to perform scanning operations without the need for physical connections, providing tactile feedback and resistance to contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a magnetic switch is used for triggering, then no physical connection is needed between handle and device, but tactile feedback is lost and false activations occur due to varying magnetic strengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based triggering system with an optical system consisting of a light source in the handle and a photosensor in the device. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues of magnetic switches while maintaining the benefit of no physical electrical connections. The optical signal provides consistent triggering without the variability inherent in magnetic field strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer the triggering signal from the handle to the device. Instead of relying on magnetic fields that vary in strength, the optical intermediary provides a consistent, controllable signal transmission path that eliminates false activations while maintaining wireless operation.
2Reliability
If physical connections are made between handle and device, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but contaminants such as water or dust can enter and impair the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical electrical connections with an optical communication system. The light source and photosensor arrangement allows signal transmission without physical contact points, thereby eliminating the vulnerability to water, dust, and other contaminants that would otherwise compromise electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
By using light as an intermediary for signal transmission, the patent creates a non-contact communication path that is inherently resistant to environmental contaminants. The optical signal can pass through air or transparent barriers without being affected by water or dust particles that would interfere with electrical connections.
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic trigger is used, then triggering function is achieved, but no tactile feedback is provided to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic triggering mechanism with an optical system that includes a physical light source component. This allows the incorporation of a mechanical switch or button in the handle that provides tactile feedback to the user's finger, while the optical signal carries the triggering command to the device.
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 optical-based triggering mechanism enhances user feedback and reliability by eliminating false activations and preventing contamination, ensuring the device operates accurately and robustly in various conditions, including accidental drops and exposure to fluids or dust.
Implementation Method 1
the light source is adapted to emit a light signal in response to manipulation of the switch assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning assembly is disclosed. The scanning assembly comprises a mobile electronic device comprising an optical sensor, the mobile electronic device adapted to perform a scanning operation, and a trigger assembly. The trigger assembly comprises a handle member adapted to be releasably coupled to the mobile electronic device, the handle member comprising a light source, and a switch assembly adapted to receive input from an operator of the trigger assembly, wherein the light source is adapted to emit a light signal in response to manipulation of the switch assembly, and wherein the mobile electronic device is adapted to perform the scanning operation in response to receiving the light signal with the optical sensor.