Image Reading Apparatus Card Conveyance Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading apparatuses face difficulties in securely conveying smaller-sized cards due to the long distance between the card inlet and the conveyer rollers, causing cards to fall out before reaching the rollers for processing.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus is designed with a card inlet on the rear side of the chassis, featuring a card-conveyer path that merges with the sheet-conveyer path, allowing the card to be conveyed from the card inlet to a card outlet within the sheet outlet, with rollers positioned closer to the card inlet to facilitate easier card insertion and secure conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conveyer rollers are positioned adjacent to the image reading unit closer to the card inlet, then the card can be conveyed securely, but the distance from the card inlet to the rollers becomes too long for smaller-sized cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the card conveyance path into two segments: a first conveyance path from the card inlet to the conveyer rollers, and a second conveyance path from the rollers to the image reading unit. This segmentation allows the card inlet to be positioned on the rear side closer to the rollers, reducing the first path length for small cards, while the second path handles the remaining distance to the reading unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the card inlet from the front side to the rear side of the chassis, utilizing the depth dimension of the device. This dimensional change allows the inlet to be closer to the conveyer rollers along the conveyance path, reducing the distance small cards must travel before being gripped, while still accommodating the overall layout requirements.
2Reliability
If the card inlet is positioned on the rear side closer to the conveyer rollers, then smaller-sized cards can be conveyed securely, but the card inlet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the card inlet on the rear side to serve dual purposes: it functions as both a card inlet for small cards and as a sheet outlet for larger sheets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structures and minimizes overall device complexity while achieving reliable small card conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the card inlet and sheet outlet functions into a single structural opening on the rear side of the chassis. By combining these functions, the patent avoids creating additional complex structures while enabling secure small card conveyance through the repositioned inlet.
3Device complexity
If the card inlet and sheet outlet are shared, then the device structure is simplified, but the card may fall out before reaching the conveyer rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conveyance paths by positioning the card inlet on the rear side, creating a distinct first conveyance path from the inlet to the conveyer rollers. This segmentation ensures that cards are quickly gripped by the rollers after insertion, preventing fall-out, while the shared outlet structure maintains simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyer rollers act as an intermediary element between the shared inlet/outlet structure and the image reading unit. By positioning the rollers to be accessible from the rear side, they serve as the critical transition point that prevents card fall-out while the shared structure maintains simplicity.
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 enables secure and efficient conveyance of smaller-sized cards by reducing the distance to the conveyer rollers, preventing card fall-out and ensuring reliable image reading and ejection.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of conveyer rollers may be disposed in positions adjacent to the image reading unit, on each side closer to the inlet and to the outlet... the pairs of conveyer rollers may be rotated in the reverse direction opposite from a direction for the sheet to be conveyed in the sheet-conveying direction, so that the card is drawn inside through the card inlet by the pair of conveyer rollers rotating in the reverse direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus, which includes a housing including a first housing and a second housing; a first opening located in between the first housing and the second housing; a second opening formed to communicate with the first opening through a first path; a third opening, a length of which along the first direction is smaller than a length of the first opening; a fourth opening, including a part of the second opening, formed to communicate with the third opening through a second path; a fifth opening located in a position where a part of the second path and the first path merge with each other; an image reader; a first roller exposed to a part of the first path ranging between the image reader and the fifth opening; and a second roller exposed to a part of the second path ranging between the third opening and the fifth opening, is provided.