Elastic Bearing for Compact Scanning Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading devices face challenges in achieving higher-precision image reading while maintaining a reduced size and weight, as the distance between bearings and the guide shaft is minimal, leading to carriage chatter and vibration, which increases the device's external dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an elastic deformation allowance mechanism in the bearing of the scanning unit, allowing it to expand during image reading and contract during standby, supports the guide shaft over a broader region, reducing inclination and enabling precise scanning while minimizing the device's size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the distance between bearings is increased to prevent carriage chatter and improve image reading precision, then measurement precision is improved, but the external dimension of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing's external dimension is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. During image reading, the bearing expands to increase the guide shaft insertion depth and prevent carriage chatter. During standby, the bearing contracts to reduce the device's external dimension. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between precision requirements and size constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of the bearing's external dimension is changed based on operational requirements. By controlling the bearing to expand or contract, the system adjusts the guide shaft insertion depth parameter to achieve either precision (during reading) or compactness (during standby), directly addressing the technical contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If the external size of the bearing is increased to support the guide shaft over a broader region and reduce inclination, then measurement precision is improved, but the size of the scanning unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing size is made dynamic rather than static. The bearing expands during scanning operations to provide broader guide shaft support and reduce inclination, improving scanning precision. During non-operational periods, the bearing contracts to minimize the scanning unit's volume, resolving the contradiction between precision and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The external size parameter of the bearing is actively controlled to change based on operational state. This parameter change allows the system to achieve large bearing dimensions (for precision) only when needed, while maintaining compact dimensions (for small size) during standby, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
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 configuration enhances precision and stability during image reading while reducing the overall size and weight of the image reading device by dynamically adjusting the bearing's external dimensions, allowing for more compact and efficient scanning.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic deformation allowance mechanism that allows elastic deformation of the external shape of the bearing in the predetermined direction at the predetermined time
Implementation Method 2
the aforementioned elastic deformation allowance mechanism has an urging member that elastically urges the aforementioned bearing ring, so that the bearing ring protrudes beyond the external wall surface of the aforementioned carriage
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning unit is configured to slide along a guide shaft that extends in a predetermined direction. The scanning unit includes a carriage configured to slide along the guide shaft, a bearing which is disposed on a carriage and through which the guide shaft passes, and an elastic deformation allowance mechanism which permits elastic deformation of the external shape of the bearing in the predetermined direction at a predetermined time. For example, a contact image sensor unit includes a box equipped with a contact image sensor. The box has a bearing through which a guide shaft is inserted. The bearing has a pair of bosses, bushings that fit therein, and a coil spring that is disposed between the bushings. The bushings are urged by the coil spring, so that the bushings continually protrude outwards. As the contact image sensor unit slides along the guide shaft, the bushings insert in between the bosses when the bushings abut the wall surface of the frame, so that the bearing is deformed elastically. An image reading device may include a scanning unit.