Rotatable Auto Document Feeder With Cutout Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading devices with auto document feeders (ADFs) are bulkier due to a large grip protruding from the front surface, which compromises the device's size and increases the risk of finger pinching between the ADF and the document placing table.
Innovation Solution
The image reading device features a rotatable ADF with a cutout in the front wall and a hand grip positioned on the upper periphery of the cutout, allowing for easy opening and closing while minimizing the device's size and preventing finger pinching, by using a document tray and discharge tray configuration with a space between them and a conveyer to facilitate safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a big grip is provided to protrude from the front surface of the ADF, then it becomes possible to open/close the ADF easily with preventing fingers from being pinched, but the apparatus becomes upsized
Solution Approach 1:
The hand grip is repositioned from the front surface to the upper periphery of the cutout part of the front wall, utilizing the vertical dimension. This allows the grip to be accessible and functional without protruding forward, thus maintaining a compact apparatus size while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand grip is integrated into the cutout structure of the front wall, nesting the grip function within the existing ADF structure rather than adding a separate protruding component. This reduces overall apparatus volume while maintaining operational functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a big grip is provided to protrude from the front surface of the ADF, then it becomes possible to open/close the ADF easily, but the risk of finger pinching between the document placing table and the ADF increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hand grip is extracted from the front surface location and repositioned to the upper periphery of the cutout part of the front wall. This removes the grip from the hazardous zone where fingers could be pinched between the document placing table and the ADF, while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutout structure is designed to create a safe zone that prevents fingers from being pinched before the opening action occurs. By positioning the hand grip above this safe zone, the design proactively eliminates the pinching hazard while preserving operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device installed in an image forming apparatus includes a document placing table having an image reader, and an auto document feeder (ADF) rotatably supported by the document placing table. The ADF is rotatable between a closed position where an upper surface of the document placing table is uncovered and an opened position where the upper surface is covered. The ADF includes a document tray, a document discharge tray arranged at a position below the document tray with a space, and a front wall fixed to a front side of the document tray. A cutout part is formed on the front wall with a front side of the space being opened through the cutout part. The ADF further includes a hand grip provided to an upper edge of the cutout part, and used to lift the ADF from the closed position toward the opened position.