Image Reading Apparatus Sheet Feeding Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in reducing manufacturing costs due to high loads on transmission mechanisms, which necessitate stronger and larger components and larger drive sources, making it difficult to minimize power requirements.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus features a supply tray and discharge unit with different movement timings, reducing the load on the transmission mechanism and allowing for smaller components and reduced power requirements by optimizing the movement of the movable plate and discharge unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the movable plate and discharge unit are moved at the same timing, then the sheet feeding function is maintained, but the load on the transmission mechanism increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the simultaneous movement of the movable plate and discharge unit into separate timing phases. The movable plate moves first to its upper position, then the discharge unit moves to its upper position afterward. This temporal segmentation reduces the peak load on the transmission mechanism by preventing both components from being driven simultaneously, thereby allowing for smaller, less expensive transmission components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the movable plate and discharge unit are moved at the same timing, then the sheet feeding function is maintained, but the power requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by sequencing the movement of the movable plate and discharge unit in distinct time periods rather than simultaneously. The drive source operates in phases: first driving the movable plate upward, then driving the discharge unit upward. This periodic operation reduces the instantaneous power demand on the drive source and internal power supply, allowing for smaller, more cost-effective power components.
3Reliability
If stronger and larger components are used to bear high load, then the transmission mechanism reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by changing the temporal characteristics of the transmission mechanism operation. Instead of continuously or simultaneously transmitting force to both the movable plate and discharge unit, the system dynamically switches between driving different components at different times. This dynamic operation reduces the peak load requirements, allowing for simpler, smaller, and less expensive transmission components while maintaining sufficient reliability for the actual operational demands.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a supply tray which support sheets and includes a movable plate configured to move in correspondence to reduction in a number of the sheets supported on the supply tray, a discharge tray which is located below the supply tray and supports discharged sheets, a conveyance guide which guides a sheet conveyed from the supply tray toward the discharge tray, a reading sensor which reads an image on the sheet conveyed along the conveyance guide, and a discharge unit having a discharge opening for discharging the sheet to the discharge tray and moves from a third position to a fourth position in correspondence to reduction in the number of the sheets supported on the supply tray. A first timing for which the movable plate is to move and a second timing for which the discharge unit is to move are different.