Spring-Loaded Contact Holder for Handheld ID Reader Charging Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional base units for handheld ID readers often experience contact wear and damage due to precise insertion requirements and unreliable electrical connections, making it difficult to maintain reliable contact between the reader and the base unit.
Innovation Solution
A base unit with spring-loaded contact holders that bias rearwardly during insertion, locking into place once the reader is fully seated, providing multiple electrical connections and an indicator LED for charging feedback, ensuring reliable and durable contact even when the reader is not fully seated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spring contacts are used in base units, then electrical connection is established, but the contacts wear out and can be damaged easily due to precise insertion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The contact holder is designed to move dynamically during insertion. It starts in a retracted position, moves forward to engage contacts, and then returns to retracted position after engagement. This dynamic motion allows the contacts to engage without requiring precise alignment, reducing wear and damage while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded contact holder provides cushioning during the engagement process. The spring absorbs impact forces during insertion, preventing damage to the electrical contacts. This cushioning effect protects the contacts from mechanical stress while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
2Reliability
If precise insertion is required for reliable contact, then electrical connection is established, but it becomes difficult to maintain reliable contact due to contamination and insufficient pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The contact holder transitions from a static to a dynamic structure that automatically adjusts during insertion. The spring mechanism allows the contacts to move forward to engage with the reader's contacts, maintaining sufficient pressure for reliable electrical connection without requiring precise manual alignment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact holder performs self-alignment and self-engagement during insertion. The spring mechanism automatically positions the contacts correctly and maintains appropriate contact pressure, eliminating the need for precise manual insertion by the user and compensating for contamination or misalignment.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If spring-loaded contact holder is used, then contact durability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the contact holder assembly. The same spring-loaded structure that provides durable electrical contact also serves as the locking mechanism. The contact holder's forward movement and engagement with the reader simultaneously achieves both electrical connection and mechanical locking, eliminating the need for separate locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact holder performs multiple functions: it provides electrical contact, maintains contact pressure, absorbs impact forces, and enables mechanical locking. This multi-functional design improves contact durability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated component.
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 solution enhances the reliability and durability of electrical connections, providing easier insertion and immediate feedback on charging status, allowing for consistent and efficient charging of the handheld ID reader.
Implementation Method 1
A contact holder, typically located on a rear wall of the well, provides a plurality of contacts thereon that project forwardly from a surface of the well to removably engage corresponding contacts on a contact-carrying surface of the reader. The contact holder is constructed and arranged to allow the contacts to move against a spring force applied by the contact holder when the contact-carrying surface of the reader passes over the contacts as the reader is received by the well.
Implementation Method 2
An indicator LED is also integrated in the base station enclosure near the charging contacts, and delivers immediate feedback as to whether reader battery is charging.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a base unit for charging a handheld ID reader in which the charging contacts are mounted on a contact holder that is biased rearwardly during insertion of the reader, and thereafter snaps back in place and locks the reader after the reader has been pushed into a fully seated position in a well of the base unit. This lock is maintained between shoulders on the holder and corresponding locking tabs on the bottom face of the reader. The locking tabs are conductive, and provide two additional electrical contacts that engage contact pads on the reader bottom face. Each of the power and ground signals are connected over at least two electrical contacts between reader and base station, increasing reliability, especially when the reader is not in its fully seated position. An indicator LED is integrated in the base station enclosure near the charging contacts.