Cam Hinge Mechanism for Compact Image Scanner Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining easy access for maintenance due to the size increase caused by the need for a cam lever mechanism, which requires additional space for its operation, and struggle to keep the top of the image recording unit exposed without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a hinge mechanism with a stay and rotor design, where the stay and rotor interact through cam surfaces to pivotally open and close the image reading unit, allowing it to be held in an open state without a cam lever, reducing the overall size and enabling easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cam lever mechanism is used to hold the image reading unit open, then the image recording unit can be accessed for maintenance, but the apparatus size increases due to the additional space required for the cam lever traveling range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cam lever component from the opening and closing mechanism, extracting the element that caused the size increase. Instead of using a cam lever that requires additional traveling space, the invention employs a simplified hinge mechanism with a stay that directly connects the image reading unit to the image recording unit, eliminating the need for a separate cam lever and its associated space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the stay and the opening/closing mechanism into a single integrated structure. The stay is configured to pivot together with the image reading unit, combining what were previously separate components (the hinge mechanism and the cam lever) into one unified system that achieves the same maintenance accessibility function without requiring additional space.
2Ease of operation
If the image reading unit is kept in an open state without manual intervention, then maintenance can be easily carried out, but the mechanism becomes more complex to achieve automatic positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the stay automatically positions itself as the image reading unit opens or closes. The stay is configured to pivot together with the image reading unit, and its geometry naturally causes it to engage with the image recording unit at the desired open angle without requiring external control mechanisms. This eliminates the need for complex cam lever mechanisms while achieving automatic positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a cam lever that actively pushes or pulls the image reading unit to maintain the open position, the invention inverts the approach by using a passive geometric constraint. The stay's shape and positioning create a natural mechanical stop that passively holds the open position, reversing the conventional active control approach into a passive self-positioning system.
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
This configuration allows the image recording apparatus to maintain the top of the recording unit exposed without manual intervention, reducing the size and facilitating maintenance while preventing unnecessary movement and potential breakage.
Implementation Method 1
the stay and rotor interact through cam surfaces to pivotally open and close the image reading unit
Data Source
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AI summary
An image reading and recording apparatus includes an image recording unit and an image reading unit supported to be pivotally movable above the image recording unit and configured to be opened and closed by being pivotally moved relative to the image recording unit. The apparatus includes a stay including an opening portion formed thereon, a rotor inserted in the opening portion of the stay, a first cam surface provided on an inner peripheral portion of the opening portion, and a second cam surface provided on an outer peripheral portion of the rotor. The rotor rotates due to abutment of the first cam surface and the second cam surface with each other. The image reading unit is held in a first opened state with a first open angle, due to meshed engagement of the first cam surface and the second cam surface with each other.