Document Conveyance Apparatus with Linear Path Branch Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document conveyance apparatuses face difficulties in smoothly conveying and reading images of documents with varying sizes and weights, particularly small size documents like business cards and large weight documents, due to curved and inclined conveyance paths, which limits the size range of documents that can be processed.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a document conveyance system with multiple conveyance paths, including a linear first path and a third path, and a branch guide that can be adjusted by a solenoid to guide documents along a linear path, allowing for the smooth conveyance and reading of both normal and special documents without curving or bending, using a combination of rollers and image reading units on each path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a curved conveyance path is used to read images of documents, then the document reading device can process documents of various sizes, but small size documents and hard documents with large weight cannot be conveyed smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conveyance path configurable rather than fixed. The system can switch between a curved conveyance path (suitable for flexible documents) and a linear conveyance path (suitable for small or hard documents). This dynamic adaptability allows the same device to handle various document types reliably without damage.
2Ease of operation
If an opening is set for small size documents, then small documents can be conveyed, but the size range of documents to be read is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a conveyance system that can handle both small documents (through the opening) and large documents (through the main conveyance path). The branch guide mechanism allows the system to route different document sizes through appropriate paths, making the device universally applicable to various document formats without limitation.
3Reliability
If a linear conveyance path is used, then hard documents can be conveyed smoothly, but the document reading device cannot cope with documents of various sizes and weights effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the conveyance system into multiple independent paths: a linear conveyance path for hard documents and a curved conveyance path for flexible documents of various sizes. The branch guide separates these paths based on document characteristics, allowing each path to be optimized for its specific document type while maintaining overall system versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a branch guide is provided to guide documents to different conveyance paths, then document conveyance flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a branch guide as an intermediary component that simplifies the complexity of path selection. Instead of requiring complex control mechanisms, the branch guide passively directs documents based on their physical characteristics (size, weight, flexibility) to the appropriate conveyance path. This intermediary element adds minimal complexity while achieving effective path differentiation.
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
Enables the stable and efficient conveyance of documents of various sizes and weights, including small and large documents, by ensuring they are conveyed linearly, thereby improving the reading capability and reducing user operation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a branch guide that can be adjusted by a solenoid to guide documents along a linear path
Data Source
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AI summary
A document conveyance apparatus (1) includes a first conveyance path (31), a first image reading part (47), a second conveyance path (32), a third conveyance path (33) and a branch guide (81). The first conveyance path (31) extends linearly. The first image reading part (47) reads an image on one face of the document conveyed along the first conveyance path (31) . The second conveyance path (32) branches from the first conveyance path (31) at a branch point on a downstream side of the first reading part (47) in a conveyance direction of the document and is formed to be formed. The third conveyance path (33) branches from the first conveyance path (31) at the branch point and extends linearly in a same extending direction as an extending direction of the first conveyance path (31). The branch guide (81) is provided at the branch point and guides the document to the second conveyance path (32) or to the third conveyance path (33).