Sliding Mount for Self-Service Checkout Peripheral
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-service retail item checkout stations fail to accommodate both standing and seated customers effectively, as peripheral devices are typically positioned for standing users, violating ADA guidelines, and adjustable swivel mechanisms tend to shift and require frequent re-adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A non-swiveling mounting mechanism with a slidable portion and a fixed portion allows peripheral devices to move between retracted and extended positions, adjusting both spatial position and viewing angle, ensuring accessibility for both standing and seated users without the need for re-adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a peripheral device is positioned for standing customers, then standing customers can easily interact with the device, but seated customers cannot easily interact with the device
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism allows the peripheral device to dynamically change position between a first position optimized for standing customers and a second position optimized for seated customers. The device transitions from a fixed mounting to a movable mounting that can be adjusted along a sliding path, enabling adaptation to different customer heights and positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable swivel mechanism is used to allow position adjustment, then adaptability for different customers is improved, but the mechanism shifts position during use requiring frequent re-adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the problematic swivel mechanism from the mounting system. Instead of using a swivel joint that allows rotation but suffers from shifting and drift, the device is mounted on a linear sliding mechanism that provides position adjustment without rotational freedom. This extraction of the swivel component eliminates the instability issue while retaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism allows the peripheral device to dynamically change position between a first position optimized for standing customers and a second position optimized for seated customers. The device transitions from a fixed mounting to a movable mounting that can be adjusted along a sliding path, enabling adaptation to different customer heights and positions.
3Reliability
If a non-swiveling mounting mechanism is used, then position stability is improved, but the ability to adjust for seated customers may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism allows the peripheral device to dynamically change position between a first position optimized for standing customers and a second position optimized for seated customers. The device transitions from a fixed mounting to a movable mounting that can be adjusted along a sliding path, enabling adaptation to different customer heights and positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-service retail item checkout station (50) comprises a peripheral device (77) for interacting with a customer while the customer is conducting a self-service retail item checkout transaction at the station (50). The self-service retail item checkout station (50) further comprises a non-swiveling mounting mechanism (30) including (i) a slidable mounting portion (2) on which the peripheral device is mounted, and (ii) a fixed mounting portion (1) on which the slidable mounting portion (2) is supported for sliding movement between a retracted position in which a customer in a standing position at the station (50) can more easily interact with the peripheral device (77) and an extended position in which a customer in a seated position at the station (50) can more easily interact with the peripheral device (77).