Image Reader Roller Gap for Wide Media Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image reading apparatus experiences issues with stably conveying wide-width media, as the front end of the medium can hang down and get caught by the reader, leading to skewing or jamming due to the gap between the second drive roller and second driven roller.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with a configuration that includes a gap between the second drive roller and second driven roller, which allows the wide-width medium to be guided without being sandwiched, using protrusions and inclined surfaces to prevent hanging and ensure stable conveyance by contacting the medium with inclined surfaces before it reaches the reader.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gap is left between the second drive roller and second driven roller to accommodate narrow-width media, then narrow-width media can be conveyed, but wide-width medium cannot be held and may hang down
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance path is divided into two distinct areas: a first area for narrow-width media with rollers in contact, and a second area for wide-width media with rollers spaced apart. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific media type, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller configuration is made dynamic and adjustable. The second drive roller and second driven roller can be positioned at different distances from each other depending on the media width being processed, allowing the system to adapt its conveyance mechanism to different media types while maintaining stable conveyance for each.
2Reliability
If the second drive roller and second driven roller are in contact to hold wide-width medium, then wide-width medium can be conveyed stably, but narrow-width medium cannot pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is segmented into two functional areas: the first area where rollers are in contact for narrow-width media, and the second area where rollers are spaced for wide-width media. This allows the system to provide stable conveyance for wide-width media while still accommodating narrow-width media through the first area.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance portion is designed with universal functionality to handle both narrow-width and wide-width media types. By incorporating two sets of rollers with different configurations, the system achieves multi-functionality, allowing it to adapt to different media widths while maintaining reliable conveyance for each type.
3Ease of operation
If the front end of wide-width medium is allowed to hang down in the second area, then the medium can be guided, but it gets caught by the reader causing skewing or jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the second drive roller and second driven roller to prevent the front end of wide-width media from hanging down before it can reach the reader. The rollers are configured to provide support and guidance that counteracts the tendency of the media to sag, thereby preventing skewing and jamming before they occur.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a guide portion, a reader, a first drive roller and a second drive roller, and a first driven roller and a second driven roller. A first protrusion is formed in the reader and may be disposed on one side of the first drive roller. A second protrusion is formed in the reader and may be disposed on one side of the second drive roller. The second protrusion may protrude upward more than the first protrusion.