Image Reading Rail System Eliminates Flat Cable Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges with the deformation of flat cables under the platen glass, which can lead to image quality degradation due to potential scratches and increased risk of mechanical failure.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an image reading apparatus with a rail system that fixes a communication line, allowing a transport mechanism to move the reading device along the rail, thereby eliminating the need for a flat cable that deforms under the platen glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flat cable is used to transmit signals to the reading unit under the platen glass, then the reading unit can be positioned close to the document surface for high-resolution scanning, but the flat cable deforms during reciprocating movement causing image quality degradation and mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication line from the moving reciprocating path by routing it along the rail structure instead of placing it under the platen glass with the reading unit. This separates the stationary communication infrastructure from the moving reading unit, eliminating the deformation problem while maintaining close positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail serves as an intermediary structure that carries the communication line along the reading direction. By using the rail as a mediator, the communication line is positioned away from the platen glass deformation zone while still enabling signal transmission to the moving reading unit through the transport mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a flat cable is routed under the platen glass to connect the reading unit, then electrical connection is maintained during movement, but the cable contacts the platen glass surface causing scratches and image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The communication line is extracted from the hazardous zone under the platen glass and repositioned along the rail structure. This eliminates contact with the platen glass surface while maintaining electrical connection continuity through the transport mechanism's movement along the rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication line is relocated from the vertical dimension (under the platen glass) to the horizontal dimension (along the rail). This dimensional change removes the line from the harmful contact zone while preserving its electrical connection function through the moving reading unit.
3Device complexity
If the reading unit reciprocates under the platen glass with a flat cable, then the structure remains simple, but the flat cable deformation increases device complexity for compensation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The communication line is extracted from the reciprocating movement zone and fixed to the stationary rail structure. This eliminates the need for flexible cable management mechanisms during reciprocation, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring stable signal transmission through the transport mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a document table, a reading device, a communication line, a rail, and a transport mechanism. On the document table, a document is placed. The reading device reads the document placed on the document table, and outputs image data. The communication line is configured to electrically transmit the image data. The rail extends along a reading direction in which the reading device reads the document placed on the document table, the communication line being fixed to the rail. The transport mechanism transports the reading device along the rail, thereby transporting the reading device along a reading route through which the reading device reads the document placed on the document table. The transport mechanism electrically connects the reading device to the communication line.