Horizontal Lower Path Reduces Image Reader Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image reading devices with automatic document feeders face challenges in reducing the vertical dimension of the area where the lower path, separation piece, and separation roller are disposed, which limits the thickness reduction and diameter increase of the separation roller.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a conveyor system with a flat plate-shaped separation piece and a separation roller positioned above it, where the lower path is horizontal, reducing the vertical height and allowing for a larger diameter separation roller, thereby reducing the device's thickness and improving separation performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lower path is inclined in the upper direction toward the downstream side and the separation piece is inclined in the upper direction, then the separating performance can be maintained, but the vertical dimension of the area where the lower path, separation piece, and separation roller are disposed increases, preventing thickness reduction of the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparating performanceVSAvoidvertical dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional inclination arrangement by making the lower path extend in the lower direction toward the downstream side, opposite to the upper path's inclination. The separation piece is also configured to extend in the lower direction, creating a mirrored arrangement that reduces vertical dimension while maintaining separation functionality through the curved path connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a conventional inclined lower path to a horizontally extending lower path, changing the dimensional orientation. This allows the separation roller to be positioned more efficiently in the vertical direction, reducing the overall vertical dimension of the separation area while maintaining effective sheet separation through the curved path geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the diameter of the separation roller is increased to improve separating performance, then the separation efficiency is enhanced, but the vertical dimension of the vicinity of the separation roller increases, preventing thickness reduction of the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidvertical dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the separation roller to extend in the width direction rather than the vertical direction. This inverted orientation allows the roller to achieve larger effective diameter for improved separation efficiency while minimizing vertical dimension impact, as the roller's bulk is distributed horizontally rather than vertically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the separation roller is located on the lower side of the separation piece rather than the upper side, and extends in the width direction perpendicular to the conventional vertical extension. This asymmetric configuration enables larger roller diameter without proportionally increasing vertical dimension, improving separation efficiency while controlling device thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If the separation piece is disposed on the upper side of the lower path with the downstream end side farther away, then the separation function is achieved, but the vertical dimension increases due to the inclined arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation functionVSAvoidvertical dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional separation piece configuration by making it extend in the lower direction rather than the upper direction. The separation piece is positioned to extend from the upper path toward the lower path, with its downstream end closer to the lower path, creating a mirrored arrangement that reduces vertical dimension while maintaining separation function through the curved path connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimensional orientation of the separation piece from an inclined upper extension to a configuration that extends primarily in the width direction with a curved path connection. This dimensional change allows the separation piece to maintain its functional position while reducing the vertical dimension of the overall separation area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9227801B2Image reading device

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image reading device includes a conveyor which conveys a sheet from an upper path to a lower path through a curved path. The conveyance section includes a feed roller which is disposed at the upper path and feeds the sheet, a separation roller which is disposed at the upper path and separates the sheet in conjunction with a separator, and a conveying roller which conveys the sheet along the curved path. The lower path includes a horizontal path extending in a substantially horizontal direction. The separator includes a flat plate portion having a flat plate shape, and the flat plate portion is disposed above the horizontal path and is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. The separation roller is disposed above the separator.