CIS Scanner Module with Adjustable Pivot Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mail handling systems, especially franking systems, face challenges in scanning mailpieces of varying thickness and format due to fixed sensor positions, leading to poor scanning quality and potential sensor damage from jolts during high franking rates.
Innovation Solution
A mailpiece scanner device with a Contact Image Sensor (CIS) mounted on a vertically movable and pivotable support, guided by a slot system to prevent impact with the conveying surface and adjust to mailpiece thickness, ensuring accurate scanning across all formats and thicknesses without sensor damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the CIS sensor is positioned at a fixed height from the window, then the sensor structure is simple, but the scanning quality degrades when mailpiece thickness varies
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support is made dynamically adjustable in height rather than fixed. The support can move vertically to different positions according to the thickness of the mailpiece being scanned, allowing the sensor to maintain optimal scanning distance from the mailpiece surface regardless of variations in mailpiece thickness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor moves vertically to accommodate thick mailpieces, then scanning adaptability improves, but the sensor experiences large jolts and potential damage during high franking rates
Solution Approach 1:
A cushioning element is introduced between the sensor support and the conveying surface to absorb impact shocks. This cushioning element is positioned to engage before the sensor can experience full impact from jolts during high franking rates, thereby protecting the sensor from damage while maintaining the ability to accommodate varying mailpiece thicknesses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor support pivots freely about a longitudinal hinge pin, then the sensor can adapt to different mailpiece formats, but the sensor may contact the conveying surface causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A guide stud is introduced as an intermediary element that works in conjunction with a guide slot. The guide stud moves within the guide slot to constrain and direct the pivoting motion of the sensor support, preventing the sensor from contacting the conveying surface while still allowing adequate pivoting range to adapt to different mailpiece formats.
4Measurement precision
If the scanning zone width is increased to scan entire mailpiece surfaces, then scanning completeness improves, but the system becomes more complex and voluminous
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it positions the sensor at variable heights, allows pivoting motion for format adaptation, and incorporates guide mechanisms for constrained movement. This multi-functional design enables the system to scan entire mailpiece surfaces without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 enables reliable scanning of mailpieces' entire surface, regardless of format and thickness, while preventing sensor impact and maintaining scanning quality even at high franking rates, ensuring accurate data extraction and tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a contact image sensor or 'CIS' disposed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction
Data Source
AI summary
A mailpiece scanner device in a module of a franking system, said mailpiece scanner device comprising: a contact image sensor or “CIS” disposed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in which the mailpieces are conveyed through the module; and a support to which said sensor is fastened and which is mounted firstly to move vertically under the action of at least one drive lever and secondly to pivot about a longitudinal hinge pin; the device further comprising guide means secured to a stationary portion of the module for the purpose of limiting firstly the vertical movement of the image sensor support and secondly pivoting of said support about the longitudinal hinge pin.