Guide Rod Biasing for Image Reading Device Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with guide rod bending due to weight, leading to scaling errors and squareness failures in the read images, as existing solutions fail to effectively counteract bending and maintain precise image capture.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a biasing member, such as a leaf spring, and an adjusting screw to bias and adjust the guide rod's position, preventing bending and ensuring accurate image reading by applying a controlled force against the guide rod's weight and the image reading unit's weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the guide rod is made longer to cover the entire scanning range, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the guide rod bends more due to its own weight and the weight of the image reading unit
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing member (spring) is introduced to apply an upward elastic force to the guide rod, counteracting the downward gravitational force caused by the guide rod's weight and the image reading unit's weight. This allows the guide rod to be longer without excessive bending, resolving the contradiction between scanning coverage and shape stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the guide rod is made more rigid to prevent bending, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the material or cross-sectional dimensions of the guide rod to increase rigidity, the patent changes the operational parameter by introducing a biasing force from the spring. This dynamic support allows the guide rod to maintain its shape during operation without adding complex rigid support structures, thus improving precision while controlling device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a biasing member is added to counteract guide rod bending, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member (spring) is designed to automatically adjust and maintain the guide rod's position without requiring external control systems. The spring self-regulates the biasing force based on the guide rod's deformation, providing a simple yet effective solution that improves alignment precision while adding minimal complexity compared to active control mechanisms.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the biasing force is increased to fully compensate for weight, then the guide rod stability is improved, but the guide rod may be pushed too far in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based biasing mechanism provides a dynamic, self-regulating force that adapts to the guide rod's position and deformation. Unlike a fixed mechanical stop, the spring can adjust its force magnitude based on the actual bending程度, ensuring the guide rod remains stable without being overly constrained in the opposite direction, thus maintaining optimal positioning.
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
The solution effectively reduces bending of the guide rod, preventing scaling errors and squareness failures, ensuring high-quality image capture by maintaining the guide rod's alignment and stability during the image reading process.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member to bias the guide in a direction against a direction in which the guide bends due to weight of the guide and weight of the image reading unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes a frame, an image reading unit, a guide, a biasing member, and an adjuster. The image reading unit reads, while moving in a predetermined direction, image information of a document placed on an exposure glass. The guide extends in the predetermined direction and is supported by the frame, to engage and guide the image reading unit to move the image reading unit in the predetermined direction. The biasing member biases the guide in a direction against a direction in which the guide bends due to weight of the guide and weight of the image reading unit. The adjuster adjusts a biasing force of the biasing member against the guide.