Main Board Orientation in Image Reading Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in minimizing size due to the large occupation of the main board with electronic components, which increases the overall apparatus size, especially in the direction intersecting the document transport path.
Innovation Solution
The main board with electronic components is strategically positioned between the document transport path and the feeding roller tangent line, and the feeding-roller drive motor is placed in a way that the feeding roller tangent line intersects the motor, allowing for a compact configuration that reduces the apparatus size in the direction intersecting the document transport path. Additionally, the main board is oriented along the document transport path, and the feeding-roller drive motor is located between the motor tangent lines, further minimizing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the main board with electronic components is placed in the image reading apparatus, then the apparatus can perform image reading functions, but the size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main board is oriented along the document transport path direction rather than perpendicular to it, utilizing the length dimension of the apparatus. This dimensional reorientation allows the main board to be accommodated within the existing footprint without increasing the apparatus width or depth, effectively resolving the contradiction between functional capability and apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent strategically positions the main board in a specific region between the document transport path and the feeding roller tangent line. This localized placement optimizes space utilization by fitting the main board into an otherwise underutilized area, allowing the apparatus to maintain its compact size while incorporating the necessary electronic components for image reading functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If the main board is positioned between the document transport path and feeding roller tangent line, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The region between the document transport path and feeding roller tangent line serves multiple functions: it accommodates the main board with electronic components, maintains clearance for document transport, and preserves access for feeding roller operation. This multi-functional utilization of space simplifies the overall arrangement by eliminating the need for separate dedicated spaces for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The main board is positioned asymmetrically in the apparatus, specifically between the document transport path and feeding roller tangent line, rather than in a symmetric or conventional location. This asymmetric placement optimizes space utilization and reduces apparatus size while the straightforward positioning actually simplifies rather than complicates the arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a document transport path (T) along which a document is transported, a feeding roller (14) that is provided on the document transport path and that feeds the document, and a reader (20) that is provided downstream of the feeding roller in the document transport path and that reads the document, in which a main board (41) on which electronic components are mounted, when viewed from a width direction, which is a direction intersecting a document transport direction, is disposed in a region between the document transport path (T) and a feeding roller tangent line (L2), which is a straight line parallel to the document transport path and which is in contact with the feeding roller at a position separated from the document transport path. In addition, the main board may be provided in an orientation along the document transport path.