Image Reading Device Fluorine Coating and Cable Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
In contact image sensor (CIS) type image reading devices, the flexible flat cable (FFC) can deform and come into contact with the contact plate, causing stains and torque fluctuations due to static electricity, leading to image reading abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluorine coating on the bottom surface of the contact plate to reduce friction and prevent staining, combined with a cable guide unit that guides the FFC to avoid contact with the plate, ensuring smooth operation and preventing deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the FFC is arranged to curve in a U-shape to avoid hindering image reading operation, then the FFC flexibility and movement freedom are improved, but the FFC may deform and come into contact with the contact plate causing stains and torque fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
A cable guide unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the FFC and the contact plate. The cable guide unit includes a guide groove that directs the FFC along a predetermined path, preventing the FFC from coming into contact with the contact plate while maintaining the FFC's flexibility and U-shaped curvature for smooth movement during carriage reciprocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide unit provides localized guidance only in the critical area where the FFC might contact the contact plate. The guide groove is positioned to specifically control the FFC's path near the contact plate surface, while allowing the rest of the FFC to maintain its flexible U-shaped configuration for optimal movement adaptability.
2Reliability
If the FFC comes into contact with the contact plate, then the FFC may be adhered by static electricity causing torque fluctuation, but preventing contact requires additional structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide unit is integrated into the existing frame structure, serving multiple functions: it guides the FFC along a safe path, prevents contact with the contact plate, and maintains structural support. This multi-functional design avoids significant increases in overall device complexity while effectively preventing static electricity adhesion and torque fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide unit is merged with the frame structure, combining the guidance function with the existing structural framework. The guide groove is formed as part of the frame or attached to it, eliminating the need for separate complex prevention mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a recess part is formed in the frame to store the FFC, then the FFC contact with contact plate is prevented, but the frame structure becomes more complex and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a static recess part that requires precise positioning and complex frame modification, the cable guide unit provides dynamic guidance through a guide groove. The groove allows the FFC to move flexibly along a predetermined path during carriage reciprocation, adapting to the dynamic movement while preventing contact with the contact plate, thereby reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a vertical recess approach to a horizontal guidance approach. The guide groove directs the FFC along a horizontal path parallel to the contact plate surface, maintaining separation without requiring vertical space-consuming recesses. This dimensional change simplifies the frame structure while effectively preventing contact.
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
The fluorine coating reduces friction and prevents staining, while the cable guide unit effectively prevents the FFC from contacting the contact plate, maintaining image reading quality and reducing abnormal noise and torque fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom surface of the contact plate is applied with a fluorine coating
Implementation Method 2
When the carriage is reciprocally moving, an arbitrary part of the FFC to curve in association with the movement, thereby preventing the FFC to hindering the image reading operation
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes a contact plate, a frame, a carriage, and a flexible flat cable. The carriage includes a reading mechanism and a resin-made slider projectedly provided at both end portions of the reading mechanism in its extending direction, and reciprocally moves in a sub-scanning direction at a bottom surface side of the contact plate while the slider slides the bottom surface of the contact plate in the frame. The flexible flat cable is connected to an one side surface of the carriage so that a width direction thereof matches the main-scanning direction, is arranged so that a part continued from a portion where the flexible flat cable connects with the one side surface is curved in a U-shape to go around toward an underside of the carriage, and transmits an electric signal of the reading mechanism. The contact plate is applied with a fluorine coating.