Cover Motion Detection Mechanism for Multifunction Device Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction devices (MFDs) with auto-document feeders require numerous switches and sensors to detect openable/closable structures, leading to increased component count, size, and electric noise, making it difficult to downsize and manage electrical noise effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a mechanical structure that detects the opening motion of the document outlet cover without interfering with it, using a gear member, switch arm, and terminal arm to output distinct signals based on the cover's position, reducing the need for additional sensors and switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If switches or sensors are provided to detect the open or closed state of each openable/closable structure, then the open or closed state can be detected, but the quantity of parts and components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection function for multiple openable/closable structures into a single sensor that detects the state of one structure, from which the controller infers the states of other structures. This merging approach reduces the quantity of sensors and switches while maintaining detection capability across multiple structures.
Solution Approach 2:
A single sensor is designed to serve multiple detection purposes by monitoring one critical structure's state, which then provides information about the states of other openable/closable structures. This multi-functional approach allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated sensors.
2Reliability
If harnesses or cables are provided to connect the switches and/or sensors with a controller, then the detection signals can be transmitted, but the workloads to assemble increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple harnesses and cables by reducing the number of detection components. By using a single sensor instead of multiple sensors and switches, the corresponding harnesses and cables are also removed, significantly reducing assembly workload and complexity.
3Reliability
If the quantity of switches, sensors and harnesses increases, then the open or closed state can be detected, but the volume of the MFD increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple detection functions into a single sensor and eliminating redundant harnesses and cables, the overall volume required for accommodation of these components is reduced. This allows the MFD to be downsized while maintaining the necessary detection capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If margins are arranged surrounding the switches and sensors to avoid interference, then the detection accuracy is maintained, but it is difficult to downsize the MFD
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for multiple sensors and switches, thereby eliminating the requirement for multiple sets of clearance margins. With fewer components requiring isolation, the MFD can be compacted without compromising detection accuracy, as the single sensor requires fewer clearance zones.
5Reliability
If the quantity of switches, sensors and harnesses increases, then the open or closed state can be detected, but the quantity of electric noise sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes multiple potential electric noise sources by eliminating redundant switches, sensors, and harnesses. By using a single sensor instead of multiple detection components, the quantity of electric noise sources is reduced, simplifying noise management while maintaining detection functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus capable of reading an image from a sheet is provided. A sheet path to eject the sheet after being read may be selectively switched between a first ejection path to eject the sheet to an ejection unit and a second ejection path to eject the sheet on an outlet cover, which is openable/closable to a casing of the image reading apparatus. When the outlet cover is moved to open, a flapper arranged in a branch point between the first ejection path and the second ejection path moved in conjunction with the opening motion of the outlet cover, and the sheet path is switched from the first ejection path to the second ejection path. Further, a plurality of arms in a cover motion detector having a linkage mechanism rotate, and the rotating motions are detectable by a detector switch arranged at a terminal of the linkage mechanism.