Compact Image Reading and Printing Apparatus with Nested Scan Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading and printing apparatuses face challenges in reducing their overall height due to the separate height requirements for reading and printing mechanisms, with previous solutions only minimally reducing the apparatus height.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with a configuration where the reading device part and printing device part occupy the same XY plane and are stacked in the Z direction, with the reading device part being pivotable and the scan motor accommodated in a protruding portion that fits into the printing device part, allowing for a more compact layout by optimizing the space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the reading device part and printing device part are stacked in the vertical direction with separate height requirements, then both reading and printing functions can be achieved, but the overall height of the apparatus becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reading device part and printing device part into a single integrated apparatus where both functions share the same operational space. The reading head and printing carriage operate within the same XY plane, eliminating the need for separate vertical stacking and thereby reducing the overall apparatus height while maintaining dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (Z-direction separation) to a horizontal integration approach (XY-plane coexistence). By changing the spatial dimension of operation from vertical to horizontal, the apparatus achieves compact height while preserving both reading and printing capabilities through shared operational space.
2Ease of operation
If the scan motor is arranged offset from the reading unit, then the reading mechanism can function, but the apparatus height is reduced only to a small extent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the scan motor within the printing device part structure, specifically placing it in the region below the printing carriage. This nested arrangement allows the scan motor to be accommodated within the existing apparatus footprint without requiring additional vertical space, thereby maximizing height reduction while maintaining reading functionality.
3Area of stationary object
If the reading device part is made pivotable, then space utilization is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pivot mechanism that allows the reading device part to dynamically change its position between a raised state (for reading operations) and a lowered state (for compact storage). This dynamic capability enables flexible space utilization while the pivot mechanism itself is designed to be mechanically simple, minimizing the added structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a reading device part, a scan motor that moves a sensor unit relative to a document is accommodated in an accommodating portion protruding from the bottom surface of the reading device part toward a printing device part. A carriage in the printing device part and the accommodating portion are arranged so as to face each other in a direction crossing the scan direction of the carriage at the same height in the vertical direction. A flexible member connected to the carriage moves and follows the carriage on a lower side relative to the accommodating portion.