Image Reading Apparatus Cover Hinge Damping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The document cover of existing image reading apparatuses can remain open for extended periods, leading to deformation due to its weight, which affects the apparatus's functionality.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus incorporates a hinge mechanism with a base member, pivot member, first gear, second gear, planet gear, and decelerator, allowing the cover to pivot between closed and open positions, with the decelerator applying damping resistance to control the cover's movement, ensuring it returns to the closed position within a few minutes to an hour, preventing prolonged open states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the document cover is left in the open position for a long period of time, then users have sufficient time to place or remove documents, but the plastic casing of the document cover deforms due to its weight
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transitions from a static free-stop design to a dynamic controlled system. The cover movement is regulated through multiple stages: initial free movement for opening, controlled deceleration during closing, and automatic return to closed position. This dynamic control prevents prolonged static open positioning that causes deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components between the cover and hinge base: a first gear connected to the cover, a planet gear mechanism, and a second gear connected to the decelerator. These intermediary gears transmit and control the cover's movement, enabling regulated closing speed and automatic return without direct rigid connection.
2Ease of operation
If a free stop hinge is used to hold the document cover at any upwardly pivoted position, then the cover can be easily opened and maintained, but the cover may remain open indefinitely causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The decelerator provides feedback control on the cover's closing movement. As the cover closes and engages the planet gear with the second gear, the decelerator detects the movement and applies damping resistance to control the closing speed, ensuring reliable return to the closed position without deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism changes the damping parameter dynamically during cover movement. When the cover is opened, minimal resistance is applied for ease of operation. During closing, the decelerator increases damping resistance to control the closing speed and prevent deformation, thus changing the resistance parameter based on movement direction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cover closes quickly due to its weight, then deformation is prevented, but the cover may close prematurely during document placement or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The cover closing process occurs in periodic stages: initial free fall phase for rapid deformation prevention, followed by a controlled deceleration phase when the planet gear engages with the second gear. This periodic action pattern allows quick closing without deformation while providing a gentle deceleration period that prevents premature closure during document handling.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a decelerator with damping resistance is applied to the second gear, then the cover closes at a controlled speed preventing deformation, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planet gear is nested within the existing hinge structure, with the first gear on the pivot member, the planet gear on the arm, and the second gear on the base member. This nested arrangement integrates the decelerator functionality within the compact hinge assembly, minimizing additional space and reducing perceived complexity while maintaining effective damping control.
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
This solution prevents deformation of the cover, maintains proper functioning, and allows users sufficient time to place or remove documents without the cover closing prematurely, thus enhancing operational reliability and reducing the risk of document misreading.
Implementation Method 1
The decelerator is configured to apply a damping resistance to the second gear, as the planet gear engages with the second gear during movement of the cover from the open position to the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit, a hinge connected to the reading unit, and a cover connected to the hinge. The image reading apparatus further includes a decelerator configured to apply a damping resistance to a particular gear of the hinge, as a planet gear engages with the particular gear during movement of the cover from an open position to a closed position.