Image Reader Curvature Forming Unit for Jam Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image scanners face challenges in preventing jams due to the deflection of subsequent media during feeding, especially when the rigidity of the subsequent medium is low, leading to increased user operations and reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
An image reader with a curvature forming unit that creates a curvature in the medium upstream of the nip position between the feeding and separating rollers, and a device body capable of switching between postures, which enhances the rigidity of the medium and reduces deflection, thereby suppressing jams without requiring additional user operations for state switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separating roller is used to nip the medium together with a feeding roller to separate the medium, then the medium can be fed reliably, but the leading end of the subsequent medium deflects upstream when rigidity is low, causing jams
Solution Approach 1:
A curvature forming unit is introduced that applies to the leading end of the subsequent medium upstream of the nip position, forming a curvature in the width direction of the medium. This curvature increases the rigidity of the leading end, preventing it from deflecting upstream along the feeding direction and causing jams, while maintaining reliable medium separation through the roller nip.
2Reliability
If multiple means are employed to solve the deflection problem, then reliability improves, but user operations increase, reducing usability
Solution Approach 1:
The curvature forming unit is configured to be automatically brought into contact with the leading end of the subsequent medium based on the feeding state, without requiring user intervention for activation or adjustment. The system self-regulates the curvature formation process, maintaining reliable medium feeding while keeping the operation simple and user-friendly.
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 suppresses deflection and jams by increasing the medium's rigidity and simplifies the user experience by integrating posture switching with curvature state changes, improving the reliability and usability of the scanner.
Implementation Method 1
a curvature forming unit configured to contact the medium upstream of a nip position between the feeding roller and the separating roller in a feeding direction of the medium, and to form a curvature in the medium along a width direction intersecting the feeding direction
Implementation Method 2
a feeding roller configured to contact a surface facing the medium placement unit of the medium placed on the medium placement unit, and rotate, to feed the medium
Implementation Method 3
a separating roller provided at a position facing the feeding roller, and configured to nip the medium together with the feeding roller
Data Source
AI summary
An image reader includes a curvature forming unit that contacts a medium upstream of a nip position between a feeding roller and a separating roller, and forms a curvature of the medium in a width direction that intersects a feeding direction. The curvature forming unit is capable of switching between a first state in which a curvature is formed in a medium and a second state positioned in a direction that is retracted from a feeding path of the medium compared to the first state. The curvature forming unit is associated with posture switching of the device body, and is brought to the second state when the device body takes a first device posture, and is brought to the first state when the device body takes the second device posture.