Flat Cable Angle Restriction for Image Reading Device Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices experience speed variations due to frictional resistance and electrostatic attraction forces between the flat cable and the document table glass, which are difficult to suppress, especially when using weights that can detach and increase processing costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an angle restriction mechanism, such as an inclination surface or a protruding wall part, to bias the flat cable's contact with the document table glass, reducing the contact area and frictional resistance, thereby stabilizing the image reading unit's speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a weight is mounted at the flat cable to prevent contact with the glass, then contact between the flat cable and document table glass is avoided, but processing cost increases and the weight may detach during repeated curvature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized protruding structure at the specific location where the flat cable contacts the document table glass. This protrusion is formed only at the necessary position on the carriage body to prevent cable contact, rather than adding a weight to the entire cable assembly. The protrusion locally modifies the geometry to eliminate the harmful contact while avoiding the complexity and cost of weight mounting and securing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the weight mounting problem by replacing it with an integrated protruding structure formed directly on the carriage body. Instead of adding a separate weight component that requires mounting and securing, the design incorporates the preventive function directly into the carriage structure through a protrusion that naturally prevents cable contact without requiring additional components or assembly steps.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a weight is mounted on the flat cable to prevent contact, then frictional resistance and electrostatic attraction are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable protection function with the existing carriage body structure by forming a protrusion directly on the carriage. This integration eliminates the need for separate weight components and their mounting hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining the function of preventing flat cable contact with the glass. The protrusion becomes an inherent part of the carriage assembly rather than an added component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the weight mounting complexity by replacing it with a protruding structure that is formed as part of the carriage body manufacturing process. This extraction eliminates the need for separate weight components, mounting brackets, adhesives, or mechanical fasteners, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and reducing assembly steps.
3Ease of operation
If the flat cable moves freely during image reading unit movement, then ease of operation is maintained, but speed variation occurs due to frictional resistance and electrostatic attraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized protruding structure at the specific location where the flat cable contacts the document table glass. This protrusion is formed only at the necessary position on the carriage body to prevent cable contact, rather than adding a weight to the entire cable assembly. The protrusion locally modifies the geometry to eliminate the harmful contact while avoiding the complexity and cost of weight mounting and securing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the weight mounting problem by replacing it with an integrated protruding structure formed directly on the carriage body. Instead of adding a separate weight component that requires mounting and securing, the design incorporates the preventive function directly into the carriage structure through a protrusion that naturally prevents cable contact without requiring additional components or assembly steps.
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 speed variations and improves reading precision by reducing frictional resistance and electrostatic attraction forces, using a simple and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
frictional resistance or electrostatic attraction force occurs between the flat cable and the document table glass
Implementation Method 2
frictional resistance or electrostatic attraction force occurs between the flat cable and the document table glass
Data Source
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AI summary
An image reading device includes an angle restriction part 212a that restricts an inclination angle with respect to a document table glass (203) when viewed from a sub-scanning direction of a flat cable (214) such that a contact portion is biased to one side of the flat cable (214) in a main scanning direction when an upper surface part of the flat cable (214) contacts with the document table glass (203) with movement of an image reading unit (210).