Image Reading Apparatus U-Shaped Path Static Dissipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in efficiently reading images on both surfaces of a document while conveying it through a U-shaped path, particularly in maintaining image reading accuracy and managing electrical charges that can lead to device failure.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a main unit with a first image reading device, a cover unit with an automatic document feeder (ADF) and a pivotable openable unit, featuring a U-shaped conveying path and a conductive member to connect the metal frame and document pressing member, allowing for image reading on both surfaces and electrical charge dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a U-shaped conveying path is used to convey documents for reading both surfaces, then document handling capability is improved, but electrical charges accumulate leading to device failure
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive member is introduced as an intermediary element to provide a discharge path for electrical charges. The conductive member connects the metal frame to the document pressing member, allowing accumulated static charges to be safely dissipated to ground, thereby preventing device failure while maintaining the U-shaped conveying path configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of accumulated electrical charges into a beneficial discharge mechanism. By providing a controlled discharge path through the conductive member, the previously harmful static electricity is now safely directed to ground, transforming a reliability risk into a protective feature
2Measurement precision
If the openable unit is designed to cover the upper path, then image reading accuracy is improved, but accessibility for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The openable unit is designed to be movable between a closed position (for accurate imaging) and an open position (for maintenance access). This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between operational modes, providing both imaging precision and maintenance accessibility without compromise
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
This configuration enhances image reading accuracy by ensuring both surfaces of the document are read accurately and reduces the risk of device failure due to electrical charges, improving overall operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive member configured to electrically connect the metal frame of the cover unit and the document pressing member of the openable unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus may include a main unit, a cover unit, an openable unit, and a conductive member. The cover unit is pivotable relative to the main unit, and includes a metal frame and a reading device configured to read an image of a document conveyed through an upper path of a U-shaped conveying path. The openable unit is pivotable relative to the cover unit, and includes a document pressing member configured to face the reading device when the openable unit is closed relative to the cover unit. The conductive member is configured to electrically connect the metal frame and the document pressing member.