Image Reading Device Airflow Cleaning Foreign Matter Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image reading devices face challenges in efficiently collecting foreign matters that scatter downstream in the conveyance path due to airflow direction, leading to inefficiencies in cleaning and potential device contamination.

Innovation Solution

The image reading device incorporates a cleaning unit with a foreign matter moving unit that causes airflow to flow in a direction intersecting the conveyance path, utilizing an airflow direction restriction unit and a first storage unit to collect foreign matters efficiently, and includes a cylindrical part with tilted blowout holes to guide foreign matters to the storage unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If airflow is generated from upstream to downstream in the conveyance path, then foreign matters are moved along the conveyance direction, but foreign matters scatter to the downstream side and cannot be efficiently collected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidforeign matter collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional airflow direction by generating airflow from the downstream side toward the upstream side instead of upstream to downstream. This reversal causes foreign matters to move toward the upstream side where they can be efficiently collected, solving the scattering problem while maintaining cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a storage chamber positioned at the upstream side to receive foreign matters moved by the reversed airflow. This adds a new spatial dimension for foreign matter collection, separating the cleaning function from the conveyance path and enabling efficient accumulation of removed foreign matters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If airflow is used to clean the cleaning object, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but foreign matters scatter in the conveyance direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidforeign matter scattering

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful scattering effect of airflow into a beneficial force by reversing the airflow direction. The same airflow that would normally scatter foreign matters downstream is now directed upstream, causing foreign matters to move toward the storage chamber where they are collected, thus transforming the scattering harm into a useful transport mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage chamber acts as an intermediary component that receives and accumulates foreign matters moved by the airflow. This intermediary structure prevents foreign matters from continuing to scatter along the conveyance path and provides a designated collection point, effectively managing the airflow's foreign matter transport effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design effectively suppresses the scattering of foreign matters in the conveyance direction, enabling efficient collection and cleaning without disrupting airflow, thereby maintaining device cleanliness and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a foreign matter moving unit configured to cause an airflow to flow in the conveyance path in a direction from one end to the other end that intersects the conveyance direction to move a foreign matter located at the cleaning object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS20250108412A1Image reading device

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An image reading device includes a reading unit configured to read an image of a medium conveyed in a conveyance direction through a conveyance path, and a cleaning unit configured to clean a cleaning object in the conveyance path with an airflow. The cleaning unit includes a foreign matter moving unit configured to cause an airflow to flow in the conveyance path in a direction from one end to the other end that intersects the conveyance direction to move a foreign matter located at the cleaning object from the one end to the other end, and a first storage unit located at the other end of the conveyance path and configured to receive and store the foreign matter moved by the airflow in the direction from the one end to the other end.