Elastic Layer Area Design for Image Reading Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image reading apparatuses, the elastic document pressing layers are prone to damage due to the force of attraction between the mat and the platen glass, particularly at the edges, and existing solutions require additional components and increased costs to mitigate this damage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates elastic layers with a larger area than the connection layers between the document pressing layer and the opening/closing member, and these elastic layers are designed with a sheet covering the surface adjacent to the connection layers to reduce the likelihood of damage during opening and closing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between the mat and the opening/closing member is reduced to prevent elastic member damage, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional film components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from a separate film component and integrates it into the opening/closing member structure itself. The elastic layer is formed as an integral part of the opening/closing member, eliminating the need for additional protective films while maintaining the function of protecting the elastic member from damage during opening/closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective function with the structural function by forming the elastic layer directly on the opening/closing member. This integration combines the role of the opening/closing member with the protective film into a single unified structure, reducing component count and simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Reliability
If a film is added to protect the elastic member, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged with the opening/closing member structure, eliminating the need for separate film components and their associated installation processes. This integration reduces manufacturing steps, lowers material costs, and simplifies production while maintaining protective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening/closing member serves dual functions: it performs its primary structural role and simultaneously provides protection to the elastic member through its integrated elastic layer. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional protective components and reduces overall manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If the elastic layer area is increased to prevent damage, then the reliability improves, but the force of attraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform elastic layer with varying thickness. The elastic layer has a larger area extending beyond the connection layer to distribute stress and prevent damage, while the connection portion maintains sufficient thickness and strength to resist the force of attraction. This localized variation in thickness optimizes both protective function and force resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic layer functions as a composite structure with different functional zones: a broader, thinner region for damage protection and a concentrated, thicker connection region for force resistance. This composite approach allows the single elastic layer to simultaneously address both the need for large protective area and the need to withstand attractive forces.
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 effectively suppresses damage to the elastic layers, eliminating the need for special components and reducing the overall cost of the device while maintaining the functionality of the image reading apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
elastic layers located between the document pressing layer and the opening/closing member
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a platen on which a document is to be placed, an image sensor configured to read an image of the document on the platen, an opening/closing member configured to cover and uncover the platen, a document pressing layer disposed on a surface of the opening/closing member and configured to press the document on the plate when the opening/closing member covers the platen, elastic layers located between the document pressing layer and the opening/closing member and spaced apart from each other on a surface of the document pressing layer, and connection layers connecting the elastic layers to the opening/closing member. An area of the elastic layer is larger than an area of the connection layer.