CIS Scanner Lever Mechanism for Mailpiece Thickness Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mail handling systems, particularly franking systems, face challenges in scanning mailpieces of varying thickness and format due to fixed sensor positions, leading to poor scanning quality and increased costs from tight manufacturing tolerances, which are not suitable for high franking rates.
Innovation Solution
A scanner device with a Contact Image Sensor (CIS) mounted on a double-lever structure that pivots to maintain a constant position relative to the top face of mailpieces, regardless of thickness, using a support system with drive levers and hinge pins to synchronize the sensor's movement with conveyor rollers, ensuring consistent scanning quality without high manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed-height CIS sensor is used in a franking system, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and the structure is simplified, but the scanning quality degrades when mailpiece thickness varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed sensor position into a movable one. The CIS sensor is mounted on a support that can move vertically along the mailpiece thickness direction, allowing the sensor to dynamically adjust its position to maintain optimal scanning distance regardless of mailpiece thickness variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the vertical position parameter of the CIS sensor. The sensor's distance from the mailpiece surface is made variable through the movable support structure, enabling the system to adapt to different mailpiece thicknesses and maintain consistent scanning quality across varying parameters.
2Area of stationary object
If the sensor is positioned to scan the entire mailpiece surface, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the sensor frequently impacts the leading edge of thick mailpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support allows the sensor to dynamically adjust its vertical position based on mailpiece thickness. This dynamic positioning enables the sensor to maintain adequate clearance from the leading edge of thick mailpieces while still achieving comprehensive scanning coverage of the entire mailpiece surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by positioning the sensor at an appropriate height before the mailpiece arrives. The movable support pre-adjusts the sensor position according to the expected mailpiece thickness, preventing impact before it occurs and ensuring the sensor is optimally positioned for scanning.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is raised by a value equal to the mailpiece thickness, then the scanning position accuracy is improved, but the suspension arm requires tight manufacturing tolerances and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the movable support structure with guide rails and positioning mechanisms - that mediates between the fixed suspension arm and the sensor. This intermediary allows for easier manufacturing by distributing the positioning requirements across multiple simpler components rather than requiring the entire suspension arm to meet tight tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the positioning function into separate components: the suspension arm provides structural support, while the movable support handles the precise vertical positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with appropriate tolerances, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining position accuracy.
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 allows for high-quality scanning of mailpieces across various formats and thicknesses, reducing impacts and maintaining scanning accuracy, while eliminating the need for tight manufacturing tolerances, thus enhancing the usability of character recognition software and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a contact image sensor or 'CIS' disposed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in which the mailpieces are conveyed through said module
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner device for scanning mailpieces, which scanner device comprises: a contact image sensor or “CIS” disposed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in which the mailpieces are conveyed through a module of a franking system; a support to which said sensor is fastened, the support being mounted to pivot at one end of at least one first drive lever, the other end of which is itself mounted to pivot about a first common hinge pin secured to a stationary portion of the module and disposed upstream from a set of conveyor rollers, so as to make it possible for said contact image sensor to move vertically; and at least one second drive lever one end of which is mounted to pivot about a second common hinge pin secured to said stationary portion of said module and disposed downstream from said set of conveyor rollers, the other end of the second drive lever, by being moved synchronously with the vertical movement of said set of conveyor rollers, moving the contact image sensor via the first drive lever.