Handheld Scanner Wireless Charging via Dual Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and variability in the design, power supply, and accessories of handheld scanning devices make it challenging to provide a system with reduced components and increased flexibility, particularly due to the shrinking size of internal components and the difficulties in wireless power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reader with an optical sensor and processor, an elongate handle with dual receiving coils for wireless power recharging, and a presentation base that supports the reader for both scanning and charging, allowing flexible configurations and efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical, electrical and communications configurations with various accessories are provided to meet diverse business needs, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and the variety of components increase making the system unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single base unit that can function in multiple configurations. The handheld scanning device includes a rechargeable battery and wireless communication capability that remain consistent across all configurations, while the cradle serves as a universal docking station that can charge and store different scanner models. This multi-functional design allows one core platform to serve diverse business needs without requiring separate specialized devices for each configuration type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the scanning system into modular components: a handheld scanning device with integrated battery, a separate cradle unit, and optional accessories. This segmentation allows the core functions to be distributed across independent modules that can be selectively combined. The cradle can operate independently as a charging station, while the handheld device can function autonomously, enabling flexibility without requiring a complete system for every use case.
2Weight of moving object
If the physical size of internal components is reduced to make devices lighter and smaller, then portability is improved, but wireless power transmission becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a cradle as a mediating device between the power source and the handheld scanner. Instead of requiring direct wireless power transmission to the small handheld device, the cradle serves as an intermediate charging station with larger power transmission capabilities. The handheld device can be recharged by placing it in the cradle, which handles the power transmission using its larger antenna and power management circuitry, thereby overcoming the limitations of miniaturized wireless power components.
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
This solution enables multiple useful configurations with reduced component variety, enhancing flexibility and ease of use while addressing the challenges of shrinking sizes and wireless power transmission in handheld scanning devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor to capture an indicia that encodes data
Implementation Method 2
a first handle receiving coil disposed at a second end of the elongate handle opposite the first end, and oriented parallel to a first side of the elongate handle, a second handle receiving coil disposed at the second end, and oriented parallel to a second side of the elongate handle that is opposite the first side of the elongate handle, and a battery to provide electric power to the processor and the optical sensor, and configured to be recharged via the first and second handle receiving coils
Data Source
AI summary
A reader includes a scanning head that comprises an optical sensor to capture an indicia that encodes data and a processor to interpret the indicia to decode the data, and an elongate handle connected at a first end to the scanning head and graspable to orient the optical sensor toward the indicia. A selected one of the scanning head and the elongate handle includes: a first receiving coil; a second receiving coil; a battery to provide electric power to the processor and the optical sensor; and a power receiving circuit coupled to the first and second receiving coils in series, and configured to operate the first and second receiving coils together to wirelessly receive electric power to charge the battery.