Image Reading Apparatus Compact Feeder Sensor Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses are hindered by the difficulty in reducing the height of the ADF-image sensor arrangement, which complicates making the device thinner.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a displaceable second unit with a conveyor system that includes inclined guide parts and a separation piece, allowing the first conveyance roller and separation piece to overlap with the first reading unit in a compact arrangement, reducing the overall height by overlapping their arrangement ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the ADF-image sensor is arranged at the corresponding position above the FB-image sensor, then the reading function is achieved, but the height size of the part cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal overlapping arrangement. The first conveyance roller and separation piece are positioned to overlap with the first reading unit in the horizontal direction (parallel to the support surface), rather than stacking vertically. This allows the arrangement ranges to overlap in plan view, reducing the protruding height while maintaining all functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by arranging the first conveyance roller and separation piece such that their arrangement range overlaps with the arrangement range of the first reading unit. The components are nested in the horizontal plane, with the conveyor components positioned within or adjacent to the spatial envelope of the reading unit, thereby reducing the overall vertical footprint of the device.
2Shape
If the first conveyance roller and separation piece are arranged to overlap with the first reading unit, then the height is reduced, but the separation performance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a guide part with a specific surface configuration that guides the sheet in a predetermined path. The guide part creates localized control over sheet movement at critical separation points, ensuring proper positioning and separation performance even with the compact overlapping arrangement. The guide surface is specifically designed to maintain sheet orientation and separation effectiveness.
3Shape
If the components are arranged in a compact overlapping configuration, then the device becomes thinner, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the conveyor system into distinct functional modules: the first conveyance roller, the separation piece, and the guide part. Each component is designed as a separate assembly unit with defined interfaces, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly. The guide part is segmented into specific surface regions that perform different guiding functions, enabling independent fabrication and testing of each segment.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a first unit, which has a support surface and a first reading unit, and a second unit mounted to the first unit. The second unit includes a conveyor for conveying a sheet along a predetermined conveyance path, a feeder unit and a discharge unit. The conveyor includes a first conveyance roller and a separation piece. The first conveyance roller and the separation piece and the first reading unit stopped at a stop position are arranged at positions at which arrangement ranges thereof overlap with each other with respect to a direction parallel with the support surface and orthogonal to an axis line becoming a rotation center of the first conveyance roller, as seen from a direction parallel with the axis line of the first conveyance roller.