Ruggedized Triggering Handle for Mobile Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with protective casings are not optimally configured for one-handed use of peripherals like scanners and cameras, as the casings add bulk and interfere with handles, requiring users to support the device with one hand and operate peripherals with the other, and often require visual reference to activate applications.
Innovation Solution
A ruggedized triggering handle device that attaches to the mobile device via a bracket, featuring a wireless link and magnetic switch to activate applications and peripherals without visual reference, allowing one-handed operation with modular peripheral sensing components like scanners and cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective casing is added to shield the mobile device, then the device is protected from damage, but the device bulk increases and handles are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: the mobile device with protective casing, and a separate triggering handle device. The handle device contains the trigger mechanism and magnetic switch, while the mobile device contains the peripherals. This segmentation allows the protective casing to remain intact without interfering with handle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the trigger and the triggering element. The magnetic field can penetrate the protective casing and activate the triggering element without physical contact, eliminating the interference problem while maintaining protection.
2Reliability
If a protective casing is added to shield the mobile device, then the device is protected from damage, but one-handed operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The functionality is segmented between the mobile device and the separate triggering handle. The handle contains all control elements (trigger, buttons) that can be operated with one hand, while the mobile device with protective casing remains protected and does not require manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary that allows the trigger mechanism in the handle to activate the triggering element in the mobile device through the protective casing, enabling one-handed operation without compromising protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete scanning modules are attached to the mobile device, then peripheral functionality is achieved, but physical datalink adds bulk and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical/physical datalink is replaced with a wireless communication link. The triggering handle device communicates with the mobile device and peripheral components wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical cables and connectors, thereby reducing bulk and complexity while maintaining functionality.
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 secure one-handed operation of mobile devices with integrated or attached peripherals, allowing activation of applications and peripherals via a trigger or buttons without visual reference, enhancing usability and reducing bulk through wireless connectivity and modular design.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic switch which, when driven proximate to a triggering element enclosed within the handle
Implementation Method 2
The handle device includes one or more light emitting diodes (LED) or similar luminous elements for indicating the active state or the status of the wireless link
Data Source
AI summary
A ruggedized triggering handle device for a mobile scanning system supports a mobile device (tablet, smartphone) attachable by a bracket on the upper surface of the handle. The handle may establish a wireless link to the mobile device; a trigger of the handle device includes a magnetic switch which, when driven proximate to a triggering element enclosed within the handle, causes the triggering element to transmit key codes and instructions via the wireless link, enabling the user to trigger applications and peripheral sensing components (e.g., readers, scanners, imagers) of or proximate to the mobile device via the handle. The peripheral sensing components may be modular elements attachable between the upper and lower portions of the handle device, either individually or serially as needed, and operable via the trigger or the additional buttons without the need for visual reference to the handle.