Image Reading Apparatus Outlet Cover Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face issues with larger documents being damaged or jammed in narrower conveyer paths, as they lack effective mechanisms to differentiate and manage documents of varying widths.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a movable outlet cover and a path switchable member, with a signal output device that changes signals based on the cover's position, allowing the conveyer mechanism to switch between two ejection paths, ensuring that only documents of a certain width are conveyed through the narrower path, preventing damage or jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a narrower conveyer path is used to reduce installation space, then the installation space is reduced, but larger documents may be damaged or jammed in the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable outlet cover that can dynamically switch between two positions: a first position that allows access to the narrower conveyer path and a second position that blocks access. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt the conveyer path accessibility based on document size, enabling safe conveyance of smaller documents through the space-saving narrow path while preventing larger documents from causing damage or jamming.
2Reliability
If a straight conveyer path is used to avoid document curling, then document damage is prevented, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conveyer path into multiple segments with different width characteristics. The first conveyer path has a first width suitable for smaller documents, while the second conveyer path has a second width (larger than the first) suitable for larger documents. This segmentation allows the system to provide appropriately sized conveyer paths for different document types, preventing document curling and damage while managing installation space requirements through selective path usage.
3Reliability
If a movable outlet cover is added to control document paths, then document damage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outlet cover functionality with the path selection mechanism. The movable outlet cover is integrated with the path switchable member, combining the blocking function and path switching function into a single integrated mechanism. This merging reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate controls for each function, while still effectively preventing document damage by controlling access to the conveyer paths based on document size.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus having a sheet path, which includes two ejection paths, is provided. The sheet path is switchable between the two ejection paths by a switchable member. An outlet cover arranged on a casing of the image reading apparatus is movable between a closed position and an open position to open and close an outlet of the second ejection path. When the outlet cover moves from the closed position to the open position, and before the switchable member switches the sheet path from the first ejection path to the second ejection path, switching of the sheet path from the first ejection path to the second ejection path is detectable.