Objective:

• Design a handheld, battery-operated scanner that is capable of handling a variety of electronics modules options.
• Must be able to scan barcodes and read RFID tags.
• Must be able to transmit data via IR.
• Must be inexpensive at large production volumes.

Notable Challenges:

• Coordination of mechanical engineering activities with remotely located program manager, electrical engineer, and manufacturing facility.
• Nimble design approach to accommodate business-driven changes, technical requirements throughout the evolution of the program.

Design Versatility:

• Accommodated both co-existing and/or mutually exclusive electronics modules by incorporating multiple mounting mechanisms into the housing design.
• Maintained a low weight and small size in a low power consumption device to maintain ease of use and portability.

Scan Technology Management:

• Designed parts that were both optically and radio frequency transparent.
• Device design allows for on-the-fly reconfiguration to either barcode scanning or RFID reading during the manufacturing process.

Design for High-Volume Production:

• Optimized final cost through a combination of both injection molded plastic parts and sheet metal stamping in the device.
• Plastics components designed for economical multi-cavity injection molding.