Image Sensor Biasing Mechanism for Compact Scanner Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading apparatuses face challenges in miniaturization due to the space occupied by springs used to bias the image sensor towards the contact glass, which limits the vertical compactness of the device.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus employs a biasing member that biases the image sensor towards the contact glass without being positioned between the image sensor and the sensor container, allowing for a more compact design by utilizing a holder member and springs that exert a biasing force from adjacent to the reading surface, thus eliminating the need for springs between the image sensor and the sensor container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If springs are provided between the lower surface of the image sensor and the upper surface of the carriage to bias the image sensor upward, then the image sensor can be biased toward the contact glass, but the springs occupy certain height which becomes an obstacle to apparatus miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (between image sensor and carriage) to a lateral arrangement (adjacent to the reading surface). This dimensional change allows the biasing force to be applied effectively while eliminating the vertical space occupation, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable biasing and miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
A biased portion is introduced as an intermediary element that receives the biasing force from the biasing member and transmits it to the image sensor. This intermediary structure enables the biasing force to be applied laterally rather than vertically, allowing compact vertical design while maintaining reliable biasing of the image sensor toward the contact glass.
2Length of stationary object
If the apparatus is miniaturized in the vertical direction, then compactness is improved, but the image sensor cannot be reliably biased toward the contact glass without sufficient vertical space
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism transitions from vertical force application to lateral force application. The biasing member is positioned adjacent to the reading surface and applies force in a direction perpendicular to the vertical axis, enabling compact vertical design while maintaining effective biasing through dimensional reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying biasing force from below (vertical direction), the force is applied from the side (lateral direction). This inverted approach to force application allows the same biasing function to be achieved without requiring vertical space, thus resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and reliable biasing.
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 enables the miniaturization of the image reading apparatus in the vertical direction while ensuring reliable biasing of the image sensor towards the contact glass, maintaining the reading quality and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing member biases the image sensor toward the contact glass... an upper end of the biasing member is positioned below the contact glass and above the lower surface of the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes: a contact glass provided at an upper surface of a main body of the apparatus to set a manuscript thereon, an image sensor being positioned below the contact glass and having a reading surface on contact glass side for reading an image from the manuscript on the contact glass, a carriage supporting the image sensor accommodated in a sensor container formed to have a recess open to the contact glass side, a rail member slidably supporting the carriage, and a biasing member biasing the image sensor to the contact glass side via a biased portion adjacent to the reading surface of the image sensor. An upper end of the biasing member is positioned below the contact glass and above the lower surface of the image sensor.