Automatic Document Feeder Switching Unit for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic document feeders require increased driving force and size to accommodate movable ejection flaps, leading to higher manufacturing costs due to the need to drive both rollers and flaps simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An automatic document feeder configuration that includes a switching unit to selectively transmit driving force to either the rollers or the movable ejection flap, preventing simultaneous operation and thus avoiding the need for a larger driving source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable ejection flap is added to enable switching between sinking ejection and normal ejection, then the versatility of the document feeder is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring an additional driving source
Solution Approach 1:
The single driving source is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially driving different components. During document feeding, it drives the carrying rollers; during ejection, it drives the movable flap through the transmission mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate driving sources while maintaining both sinking and normal ejection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism dynamically redirects the driving force based on operational phase. When the ejection flap needs to move, the transmission mechanism engages to connect the driving source to the flap; when document feeding is required, the transmission mechanism disengages and the driving source directly powers the rollers. This dynamic switching allows one driving source to control multiple functions at different times
2Productivity
If the driving force is increased to accommodate both rollers and movable flap operation, then the productivity and functionality are improved, but the size and manufacturing cost of the driving source increase
Solution Approach 1:
The driving source operates in periodic cycles, alternating between driving the rollers for document feeding and driving the movable flap for ejection. At any given moment, only one component is being driven, allowing the driving source to be sized for individual component requirements rather than the sum of both, thereby reducing overall size while maintaining full functionality
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic document feeder includes a document tray, an output tray on which the document for which image reading is finished is placed, a roller applying carrying force to the document by rotating and contacting the document, and a movable ejection flap. The ejection flap is movable between a first position where the document for which image reading is finished is sunk into a position between the output tray and a bottom of a document already stacked on the output tray and a second position where the document is ejected on the output tray without being sunk into the position between the output tray and the bottom of the stacked document. The automatic document feeder also includes a switching unit to switch between a first motion of transmitting driving force of a driving source to the movable ejection flap and a second motion of transmitting driving force to the roller.