Foldable Cover Sheet-Fed Scanner for MFP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multifunctional printers with flatbed scanners are limited in scanning double-sided documents simultaneously and are not suitable for special types like hard cards or transparent files, requiring manual operation and being expensive when equipped with U-shaped ADFs.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional business machine with a foldable-cover sheet-fed scanner and fasteners, allowing for double-sided scanning without manual operation and accommodating special paper types, featuring a pivoting cover and platform with a contact image sensor for efficient scanning of various paper sizes and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flatbed scanner is used in MFP, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but it cannot scan double-sided documents simultaneously and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner is divided into two independent scanning units: a flatbed scanner for single-sided scanning and a sheet-fed scanner for double-sided scanning. Each unit has its own platen glass and scanning mechanism, allowing them to operate independently or simultaneously to resolve the contradiction between simplicity and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFP is designed with multi-functional scanning capabilities by integrating both flatbed and sheet-fed scanners. The sheet-fed scanner can handle various paper types including transparent films and hard cards, while the flatbed scanner handles standard documents, making the system universally applicable to different scanning needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a U-shaped ADF is added to scan special paper types, then scanning capability is improved, but the cost becomes quite expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system is segmented into specialized components: the sheet-fed scanner with its own platen glass is specifically designed for transparent films and hard cards, while the flatbed scanner handles standard documents. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific paper types without requiring a completely complex U-shaped ADF structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an expensive U-shaped ADF for all paper types, the patent uses a simpler sheet-fed scanner configuration that can be easily replaced or adjusted. The sheet-fed scanner provides the necessary versatility for special paper types at a lower cost and complexity level compared to U-shaped ADF solutions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sheet-fed scanner is added to the foldable-cover machine, then scanning capability for various paper types is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet-fed scanner and flatbed scanner are merged into a single integrated MFP unit with a shared control system and processing unit. The two scanners share common resources such as the image processing engine, memory, and output interfaces, which reduces the overall complexity increase despite adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFP is designed with universal multi-functionality where both scanning units feed into a common processing and output system. The control unit can automatically select which scanner to use based on the document type, and the output module can handle results from either scanner, creating a unified multi-functional system that manages complexity through integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional business machine includes a foldable-cover machine, a sheet-fed scanner and two fasteners. The foldable-cover machine has a cover and a platform covered by the cover. The sheet-fed scanner is disposed on the platform. One end of each fastener is fixed in one side of the cover, and another end of each fastener is configured with a shaft applied for pivoting the cover to the sheet-fed scanner. The cover rotates relative to the platform to be lifted with an angle and enable to lean against the sheet-fed scanner.