Scale Assembly Mounting Apparatus for Optical Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical barcode scanners often require costly scale mounting hardware, which complicates servicing and installation of additional equipment, such as electronic article surveillance systems, and can obstruct the mirror housing.
Innovation Solution
A scale assembly mounting apparatus that surrounds the mirror housing on three sides, using a load cell assembly mounted between the bottom surface and the mirror housing, allowing for easy installation and removal without interfering with the scanning light beams or EAS system, and keeping the pattern mirror housing sealed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If scale assembly components are mounted within the scanner housing under mirror baskets, then the scale assembly can be integrated into the scanner, but this complicates servicing, complicates mounting of additional equipment, and obstructs the mirror housing
Solution Approach 1:
The scale assembly mounting apparatus is extracted from the traditional location under the mirror baskets and repositioned to mount on the exterior surface of the mirror housing. This extraction removes the scale assembly components from the internal housing space, thereby eliminating the complications associated with servicing and mounting additional equipment while maintaining the integration functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scale mounting hardware is included in the scanner, then the scale assembly can be mounted, but this increases the cost and complicates the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is designed with universal applicability, allowing the same structure to serve multiple functions: mounting the scale assembly, maintaining the mirror housing integrity, and providing a standardized interface for future modifications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby lowering overall cost and structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror housing is opened or modified to accommodate scale assembly, then the scale can be integrated, but this compromises the sealed environment and allows dust and liquid ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is segmented into distinct functional zones: a sealed mounting interface that attaches to the exterior of the mirror housing, and a separate scale assembly interface. This segmentation allows the mirror housing to remain sealed and intact while providing a dedicated external mounting structure for the scale assembly, thus preventing dust and liquid ingress while achieving integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A scale assembly mounting apparatus for an optical scanner which suspends a scale assembly above a mirror housing of the scanner. The apparatus includes a top surface which surrounds an aperture of a mirror housing of the scanner on at least three sides, and a bottom surface including a load cell assembly mounting structure for suspending a load cell assembly between the bottom surface and the mirror housing.