ADF Cover Deformation Control via Pivotable Support Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image reading apparatus with an automatic document feeder (ADF) lacks support for the lower portion of the cover, leading to potential distortion and increased risk of document jamming due to lack of flexural rigidity, especially when a load is applied, causing the conveyance path to narrow.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying device with a movable member pivotally mounted between a cover and a guide, allowing it to move between positions to support the cover and prevent deformation, ensuring the conveyance path remains stable under load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cover is made relatively thin to make the entire ADF thinner, then the compactness of the ADF is improved, but the flexural rigidity of the cover is deteriorated, leading to an increase in possibility of distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple support members distributed at different positions under the cover. Each support member independently supports a specific region, allowing the cover to remain thin while maintaining overall rigidity through distributed support points rather than a single thick structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from addressing rigidity in the vertical dimension (making the cover thicker) to solving it through horizontal distribution of support members. By adding support elements in the horizontal plane beneath the cover, the system achieves rigidity without increasing the vertical thickness of the cover itself.
2Ease of operation
If no support is provided under the cover at the conveyance path area, then the conveyance path is formed, but the lower portion of the cover is not supported, making it easily deformed when load is applied
Solution Approach 1:
Support members are strategically positioned at specific locations under the cover where loads are most likely to occur, such as near the conveyance path and at regions requiring additional stability. This localized support approach maintains the open conveyance path while providing targeted reinforcement only where needed, rather than uniformly supporting the entire cover.
3Reliability
If the cover is elastically deformed by temporary load, then the shape is returned to original once load disappears, but if excessively large load is kept applied for long time, the cover may suffer from creep strain, making the conveyance path narrower
Solution Approach 1:
Support members are pre-installed under the cover at positions where creep deformation is most likely to occur. These support members proactively prevent long-term deformation by maintaining the cover at its intended shape, countering the gradual creep strain that would otherwise develop under sustained loads before it can narrow the conveyance path.
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 movable member effectively suppresses deformation of the cover, maintaining the integrity of the conveyance path and reducing the likelihood of document jams, even when loads are applied, while allowing smooth sheet conveyance without additional power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a movable member 41 pivotally mounted between a cover 27 and a guide 25, allowing it to move between positions to support the cover and prevent deformation
Implementation Method 2
The movable member 41 is pivotable between a first position and a second position. The movable member 41 is located at the second position when the conveyor 20 is conveying the sheet along the conveyance path
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying device includes: a conveyor configured to convey a sheet; a cover configured to cover the conveyor; a guide spaced apart from the cover; and a movable member mounted on a first member which is one of the cover and the guide. The movable member is pivotable between a first position and a second position and located at the second position when the sheet is being conveyed. The movable member has a free end which is moved toward a second member while the movable member is being pivoted from the second position to the first position about a pivot center. The second member is another of the cover and the guide. The free end is contactable with the second member by an approach of the cover toward the guide when the movable member is located at the first position.