Cover Attachment Structure for Image Processing Device Jam Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing devices for checks and recording paper face issues with jammed media, where opening covers to remove jams exposes the print unit to external damage and accidental user contact.
Innovation Solution
The design features a conveyance path with first and second pivot pins intersecting the conveyance direction, allowing covers to open and close while remaining beside the process surface, preventing external exposure and protecting the image processing unit. The covers pivot horizontally to ensure they return to the closed position by their own weight, maintaining protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the covers are opened to remove jammed media from the conveyance path, then the ease of operation is improved, but the image processing unit becomes exposed to external damage and accidental contact
Solution Approach 1:
The cover attachment structure is divided into multiple independent components: a first cover attached to a first support shaft, a second cover attached to a second support shaft, and a third cover attached to a third support shaft. These segmented covers can be opened independently or in combination to provide different levels of access to the conveyance path while maintaining protection of the image processing unit through strategic positioning and selective opening.
2Ease of operation
If the covers are designed to fully open for access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of protecting the image processing unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the device are provided with different levels of accessibility through the multi-cover design. The first cover provides access to the upstream portion of the conveyance path, the second cover provides access to the downstream portion, and the third cover provides additional access when needed. This local differentiation allows users to open only the necessary cover(s) for removing jams in specific areas, maintaining protection of the image processing unit while providing adequate access where required.
3Device complexity
If a single cover design is used for simplicity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for removing jams at different locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple covers share common functional characteristics and attachment mechanisms, providing universal access capability across different locations of the conveyance path. Each cover can be opened independently to provide access to different portions of the conveyance path, and they can also be opened in combination for complete access. This multi-functional design allows a single cover system to address multiple access requirements without requiring fundamentally different mechanisms for each cover.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processing device enables easily removing a process medium stuck in the conveyance path while protecting the image processing unit from the outside. A conveyance path 3 for conveying process media in a specific conveyance direction, an image processing unit 40 having an ejection surface (process surface) 41 disposed facing the conveyance path 3, and a first cover 11 and a second cover 12 disposed along the conveyance path 3 and covering the conveyance path 3, are provided. The first and second covers 11, 12 can open and close on first and second pivot pins 14, 15 disposed in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction. The first and second pivot pins 14, 15 are disposed with the ejection surface 41 therebetween.