Grounding Guide Shaft in Plastic Image Scanner Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading apparatuses with plastic frames face challenges in suppressing electromagnetic noise interference due to ungrounded guide shafts, which limits design freedom and increases assembly time and parts, as conventional grounding methods require additional space and complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A plastic frame-based image reading apparatus with a conductive shaft support unit that grounds the guide shaft, eliminating the need for a separate grounding member and allowing for flexible design without considering grounding positions, using a grounding member that touches the guide shaft ends and is securely fastened through the support unit, reducing assembly time and parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a plastic frame is used instead of a metal frame, then manufacturing cost is reduced and weight is lightened, but electromagnetic noise suppression becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guide shaft support function and grounding function into a single integrated structure. The guide shaft is directly supported by the plastic frame at positions that also provide electrical grounding, merging two previously separate functions (mechanical support and electrical grounding) into one unified design approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic frame is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the guide shaft, acts as an electromagnetic shield through strategic metal component integration, and provides grounding paths. The frame structure becomes a multi-functional element rather than a single-purpose component.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate grounding member is added to ground the guide shaft, then electromagnetic noise is suppressed, but assembly time increases and the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates separate grounding members by integrating grounding functionality directly into the guide shaft support structure. The support portions of the plastic frame that hold the guide shaft also serve as grounding points, combining mechanical support and electrical grounding into a single integrated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the grounding function from separate grounding members and integrates it directly into the frame structure that already provides mechanical support. This removes the need for additional grounding components while maintaining the grounding function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the guide shaft is grounded by touching a grounding member, then electromagnetic noise is suppressed, but design freedom is reduced due to space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grounding contact points with the guide shaft support locations. Since the guide shaft must be supported at specific positions regardless of grounding requirements, combining these functions eliminates the need for additional space dedicated solely to grounding.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic frame structure is designed to perform multiple functions at each support location: mechanical support for the guide shaft and electrical grounding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate grounding space and increases design flexibility.
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 design freedom by eliminating the need for specific grounding positioning, reduces assembly time and parts, and ensures stable travel of the scanning unit while effectively grounding the guide shaft, thus improving electromagnetic compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a shaft support unit for supporting both ends of the guide shaft; wherein the guide shaft is grounded through the shaft support unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus enables designs of such apparatus without regard to a grounding location for a guide shaft and reduces the number of assembly hours and fastening members to fasten a ground member of a guide shaft to a frame. An apparatus includes a scanning unit for scanning and reading images on originals placed on a platen; a guide shaft supporting and guiding the scanning unit in a sub-scanning direction; a shaft support unit supporting an end of the guide shaft; and a plastic frame housing the scanning unit and guide shaft and formed with the shaft support unit, wherein the guide shaft is grounded via the shaft support unit.