Flexible Scanner Cover for 3D Object Light Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hard covers in image reproduction devices cannot fully enclose three-dimensional objects, leading to poor scan quality due to light leakage and interference from external light.
Innovation Solution
A scanner with a moveable frame and a soft, extendable cover that can be positioned to fully enclose objects of varying depths, blocking light transmission during scanning by extending across the platen and being sealed by the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a hard cover is used to block light during scanning, then light transmission is blocked effectively for flat objects, but the cover cannot fully close when three-dimensional objects are scanned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rigid hard cover with a flexible membrane cover that can conform to three-dimensional objects. The membrane material allows the cover to drape over objects of varying depths and shapes while maintaining light-blocking functionality, resolving the contradiction between effective light sealing and adaptability to different object types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the cover material from rigid to flexible. By using a membrane that can deform and adapt its shape, the system maintains the light-blocking parameter while gaining the ability to accommodate three-dimensional objects, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If a hard cover is used to enclose the platen, then light blocking is effective, but the structure cannot accommodate objects with depth
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane cover can drape over and conform to objects of any depth or shape, allowing the scanning system to maintain reliable light sealing while accommodating three-dimensional objects that would prevent a hard cover from fully closing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible membrane that can adapt its configuration. This dynamic flexibility allows the cover to maintain contact and sealing around objects of varying depths, ensuring consistent scan quality across different object types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the platen is left uncovered to accommodate deep objects, then object accessibility is improved, but light leakage causes poor scan quality
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane cover provides a solution that maintains object placement flexibility while eliminating light leakage. The membrane can conform to any object shape or depth, ensuring complete coverage and light blocking without restricting what can be placed on the platen.
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
Ensures high-quality scans by preventing external light from entering and internal light from escaping, even for objects with depth that would prevent conventional hard covers from fully closing.
Implementation Method 1
the soft cover can block light transmission during scanning of the object with the image sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An image reproduction device having a movable frame with a central aperture and an extendable soft cover. The soft cover can be extended from a storage position to at least partially span a platen and cover three dimensional objects resting on the platen. The frame can be lowered to seal the soft cover over and around the object and platen, such that it blocks light transmission into and out of the image reproduction device during scanning.