Magnetic Lock Mechanism for Image Reading Carriage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading devices face issues with carriage movement during transportation, leading to potential shifts in light source and mirror attachments due to impacts at the end of their range, which can disrupt image reading operations.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism using a magnetic force to move a locking portion between engagement and release positions, ensuring the carriage remains locked at a predetermined position within its movement range, simplifying the exterior member configuration and preventing movement-related disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical lock structure is used to prevent carriage movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lock structures with a magnetic field-based locking mechanism. The magnet mounted on the exterior member exerts magnetic force on the locking portion of the carriage to maintain positional stability, eliminating the need for complex mechanical locks while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the exterior member and the carriage. The magnet creates a magnetic field that acts as a non-contact mediator to hold the carriage in position, avoiding direct mechanical contact and reducing structural complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the exterior member configuration is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but locking functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the exterior member by mounting a magnet directly on it, replacing complex mechanical locking structures. The magnet provides the necessary locking force through magnetic attraction, allowing the exterior member to have a simpler configuration while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
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 magnetic lock mechanism effectively prevents carriage movement shifts during transportation, maintaining attachment stability and simplifying the exterior configuration of the image reading device, ensuring consistent image reading performance.
Implementation Method 1
The locking portion moves from either of a first position and a second position to the other in response to a magnetic force of a magnet that is disposed at a specific position on the exterior member
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes a housing, a carriage, and a lock mechanism. The housing includes an exterior member and a document sheet placement surface. The carriage is configured to move in the housing along a predetermined specific direction. The lock mechanism is configured to lock the carriage to a lock position. The lock mechanism includes a supported portion and a locking portion. The supported portion is supported by the housing and provided between the exterior member and the carriage disposed at the lock position. The locking portion moves between a first position and a second position in response to a magnetic force of a magnet disposed at a specific position on the exterior member so as to, at the first position, engage the supported portion with the carriage disposed at the lock position, and at the second position, release engagement between the supported portion and the carriage.