Document Pressing Section Height Regulation for Image Readers

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image readers suffer from poor appearance and risk of platen glass breakage due to exposed position regulation members and direct impact during closing, respectively, and lack accurate positioning of the document pressing section.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a height regulation section that projects from the document pressing section, positioned between the pressing plate and the platen glass, with foamed synthetic resin members to absorb impact and maintain accurate alignment, preventing scratches and breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If position regulation members are provided on the bottom surface of the document conveyance section, then the height position of the document conveyance section can be regulated, but the appearance becomes poor and scratches may occur on the reading section

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidscratch on reading section

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastic member as an intermediary between the position regulation member and the reading section. This elastic member acts as a mediator that allows the position regulation function while preventing direct contact between the position regulation member and the reading section surface, thereby eliminating scratches. The elastic member deforms under compression to enable positioning while maintaining a cushioning layer that protects the reading section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by placing an elastic member between the position regulation member and the reading section before any potential harmful contact occurs. This elastic member is pre-installed to absorb impact and prevent direct contact, ensuring that even when the document conveyance section is closed, the position regulation member does not directly touch and scratch the reading section surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Manufacturing precision

If abutting stop member is projected from the document pressing plate to abut the platen glass, then the document pressing plate can be positioned, but the impact may break the platen glass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidplaten glass strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by placing an elastic member between the position regulation member and the reading section before any potential harmful contact occurs. This elastic member is pre-installed to absorb impact and prevent direct contact, ensuring that even when the document conveyance section is closed, the position regulation member does not directly touch and scratch the reading section surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an elastic member as an intermediary between the position regulation member and the reading section. This elastic member acts as a mediator that allows the position regulation function while preventing direct contact between the position regulation member and the reading section, thereby eliminating scratches. The elastic member deforms under compression to enable positioning while maintaining a cushioning layer that protects the reading section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If position regulation members are provided on the bottom surface of the document conveyance section, then the height position can be regulated, but the position regulation members are exposed when opened resulting in poor appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the position regulation member inside a housing structure that covers it when the document conveyance section is in the closed or operational position. The elastic member is positioned such that it is concealed within the assembly, and only becomes visible or accessible when the section is opened for maintenance or adjustment, thereby maintaining a clean appearance during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Productivity

If the document conveyance section is closed rapidly, then the closing operation is efficient, but the impact received by the platen glass may cause breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing speedVSAvoidplaten glass strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by placing an elastic member between the position regulation member and the reading section before any potential harmful contact occurs. This elastic member is pre-installed to absorb impact and prevent direct contact, ensuring that even when the document conveyance section is closed, the position regulation member does not directly touch and scratch the reading section surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution ensures a favorable appearance, prevents scratches on the reading section, avoids platen glass breakage, and enables precise positioning of the document pressing section, maintaining a predefined gap for document conveyance.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member is interposed between the position regulation member and the reading section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

with foamed synthetic resin members to absorb impact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10129422B2Image reader and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image reader includes: a reading section reading a document; a document conveyance section being supported in an openable and closable manner with respect to the reading section; foamed synthetic resin members being supported on a lower surface of the document conveyance section; a document pressing plate being fitted to the document conveyance section with the foamed synthetic resin members in between; and height regulation sections being formed at the document conveyance section and being pressed by second platen glass with the document pressing plate in between, wherein the height regulation sections are located at positions overlapping with a region of the second platen glass when the document conveyance section is in a closed state.