Authors:
Hye Suk Makley, Jared Schott
Abstract:
This disclosure proposes an automated Platen Safety Latch using sensors to prevent a pinch hazard with the bagger platen surface.
Background:
Current SCO(Self Checkout) platen design could be a possible pinch hazard when a heavy object is dropped at one end of the platen surface. To address this safety concern, automated Platen Safety Latch using sensors is disclosed to prevent this pinch hazard.
Description:
SCO Platen is designed such that it sits on top of the scale bar assembly. Due to the nature of weighing objects, the platen needs to be 'free' to allow proper weighing capability, thus securing the platen in place is not an option.
This design thus presents a safety issue, a pinch hazard when a heavy object is dropped at one end, the other end of the platen raises up, enough where it could lead to pinching point/area.
This design eliminates this issue, by using built in sensors, which automatically triggers a safety latch to engage when such an event occurs, preventing any pinch points/areas.
See image below for better understanding of this design idea.
TGCS Reference 1962
