Stationary Code Reader Optical Layout for Reduced Frame Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing code readers protrude significantly from the frame when attached to a conveyance device, limiting their installation flexibility and potentially interfering with conveyed workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A code reader design with a housing that is elongated along a first direction, featuring a light receiving window aligned laterally, an illumination section alongside, and an imaging unit installed in the same direction, along with a mirror to redirect the optical path, allowing attachment to an external frame with reduced protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the code reader is attached to the frame with conventional configuration, then the code reading function is achieved, but the protrusion amount toward the conveyance device side increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the code reader housing to be elongated in the width direction rather than the depth direction. The light receiving window and illumination section are arranged side by side along the width direction, with the imaging unit positioned to face the light receiving window through the housing width. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the protrusion depth while maintaining functional effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging components sequentially from front to back (illumination → light receiving → imaging), the patent inverts the spatial relationship by positioning the imaging unit to face the light receiving window through the housing width, with the illumination section adjacent to the light receiving window. This inverted arrangement minimizes the depth protrusion.
2Reliability
If the code reader protrudes from the frame, then the code reading function is maintained, but interference with conveyed workpieces occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes component positions across the housing width rather than stacking them in the depth direction. The light receiving window and illumination section share the housing width, while the imaging unit faces through this width arrangement, thereby reducing the protrusion depth that would otherwise cause workpiece interference.
3Reliability
If the housing is elongated in the depth direction to accommodate components, then the code reading function is achieved, but the protrusion amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a depth-elongated housing configuration to a width-elongated configuration. Components are arranged side by side along the width direction (light receiving window and illumination section) rather than sequentially in depth, with the imaging unit facing through the housing width, thereby reducing housing depth while preserving code reading 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
This configuration minimizes the protrusion of the code reader from the frame, enhancing installation freedom and reducing interference with conveyed workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror that turns back an optical path corresponding to a visual field of the imaging unit in a direction of the light receiving window in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A stationary code reader includes a housing that is long along a first direction and has a light receiving window that transmits light laterally intersecting the first direction, an illumination section that is stored in the housing and forms an irradiation surface arranged side by side with a light receiving window along the first direction, an imaging unit having an image sensor installed toward the first direction, a mirror that turns back an optical path corresponding to a visual field of the imaging unit toward the light receiving window in the housing, and an attachment portion that is provided on a side of the housing and configured to attach the housing to an external frame.