Binding Member Detector Placement for Document Feeding Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image reading apparatuses often damage documents when a binding member is present, as existing detection methods are insufficient in preventing document tearing during the feeding operation.

Innovation Solution

An image reading apparatus with a binding member detector placed outside the document setting unit, allowing detection before the feeding operation begins, and adjustable intervals between detector portions to optimize magnetic field strength and user notification systems to alert users of binding members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the binding member detector is provided inside the document setting unit, then the detection can be performed during document setting, but the document may already be damaged by the time detection occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument protection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection timing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The binding member detector is positioned outside the document setting unit to perform detection before the document is fully set and before the feeding operation begins. This preliminary detection prevents document damage by identifying binding members in advance, allowing the system to alert the user or prevent feeding before damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If the detector portions are placed close together, then the device size is reduced, but the magnetic field strength decreases affecting detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector sizeVSAvoidbinding member detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The interval between the first and second detector portions is optimized to balance magnetic field strength and device size. By adjusting this parameter, the system maintains sufficient magnetic field intensity for accurate binding member detection while keeping the overall detector footprint compact and space-efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively prevents document damage by ensuring the binding member is detected before the feeding operation, allowing for safe handling and reducing the risk of tearing, while also improving user convenience through notification and adjustable settings.

Implementation Method 1

the binding member detector includes a first portion and a second portion disposed to face the first portion and is configured to detect the binding member by passing the document through between the first portion and the second portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3422689B1Image reading apparatus, binding member detecting apparatus, and image reading system
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3422689B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3422689B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3422689B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an image reading apparatus including: a reading unit that reads a document; a document setting unit that sets the document to be fed toward the reading unit; and a binding member detector that detects a binding member binding the document and is provided in an outside of an installation region of the document setting unit. The binding member detector is provided on a side surface of a housing constituting an outside of the image reading apparatus. The image reading apparatus, further includes: a document receiving unit that receives the document read and discharged, and in which the binding member detector is provided on a lower side of the document receiving unit. The binding member detector includes a first portion and a second portion disposed to face the first portion and is configured to detect the binding member by passing the document through between the first portion and the second portion.