Image Reading Unit Cable Moment Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading apparatuses face instability due to reaction forces generated by deformable flexible flat cables, which can cause the image reading unit to incline and lose its stable position during movement.
Innovation Solution
The use of two cables with different rigidities, where one cable supplies power and the other transmits data, are fixed in opposite positions relative to a guide member, allowing their rotation moments to cancel each other out, maintaining the image reading unit's stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single deformable cable is used to connect the image reading unit and processor, then flexibility and ease of movement are improved, but the cable generates reaction forces that cause instability and inclination of the image reading unit
Solution Approach 1:
The single cable system is segmented into two separate cables. Each cable is fixed to the image reading unit at different positions (one at the front end, one at the rear end), dividing the force transmission function into multiple parts that work together to eliminate rotational moments while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The two cables are positioned asymmetrically at opposite ends of the image reading unit relative to the guide member. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the reaction forces from cable deformation act at different locations, creating opposing rotational moments that cancel each other out, thereby preventing inclination while allowing movement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cable is made more rigid to reduce deformation, then position stability is improved, but the cable cannot accommodate the reciprocating movement of the image reading unit
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The cables are allowed to deform elastically during reciprocating movement, and their flexibility is optimized to accommodate the full range of motion. The key is that two such dynamic cables positioned strategically create stable force balance throughout the movement cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes an image reading unit that is reciprocally movable in a predetermined direction; a guide member that supports the image reading unit and guides the image reading unit in the predetermined direction; a first cable that is fixed to the image reading unit at one end of the first cable and is deformable in accordance with a movement of the image reading unit; and a second cable that is fixed to the image reading unit at one end of the second cable and is deformable in accordance with the movement of the image reading unit, wherein the first cable and the second cable are provided such that a rotation moment of the image reading unit generated by a reaction force of the first cable and a rotation moment of the image reading unit generated by a reaction force of the second cable cancel each other out.