Image Reader Tray Layout for Closed-State Media Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image reading apparatus requires the feeding tray to be opened to convey the second medium, which complicates the process and reduces convenience when reading images of the second medium.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a movable or rotatable tray that can be positioned between open and close states, allowing the second medium to be conveyed without opening the tray, and includes a controller to determine the tray's position and drive the conveyer accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the feeding tray is opened to convey the second medium, then the second medium can be introduced and discharged, but the tray occupies unnecessary space and disrupts the reading process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the feeding tray into two independent sections: a first feeding tray for the first medium and a second feeding tray for the second medium. The second feeding tray can be independently opened or closed without affecting the first feeding tray. This segmentation allows the second medium to be conveyed with the tray in a closed state, eliminating the need to open the entire tray structure and reducing space occupation when the second medium is not being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a movable second feeding tray that can dynamically change its state between open and closed positions. The tray is designed to be movable along the conveyance path, allowing it to be positioned in a closed state during normal operation to reduce space occupation, and opened only when the second medium needs to be introduced or discharged. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and space occupation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the feeding tray is opened to convey the second medium, then the second medium can be processed, but the reading process is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feeding mechanism into independent first and second feeding trays, allowing simultaneous or independent operation for different media types. The first feeding tray can remain closed and operational for the first medium while the second feeding tray is opened for the second medium, or vice versa. This independence eliminates the need to stop or disrupt the reading process when switching between media types, as each tray can be operated autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the tray operation and the reading process. The controller detects the type of medium to be processed and automatically adjusts the tray state (open or closed) accordingly, without requiring manual intervention that would disrupt the reading process. This automated intermediary control ensures seamless transitions between processing different media types while maintaining continuous reading operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a housing, a tray, a conveyer, an image reader, a position detector, and a controller. The housing has a first introduction opening, a first discharge opening, a second introduction opening, and a second discharge opening. The tray is configured to connect to the housing movably between an open position and a close position relative to the housing. The tray is configured to cover the first introduction opening and to expose the second introduction opening and the second discharge opening at the close position. The conveyer is configured to convey the second medium from the second introduction opening to the second discharge opening. The conveyer is provided in the housing. The controller is configured to drive the conveyer when the tray is located at the close position.