Movable Member Adjusts Reading Unit Angle in Image Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading apparatuses face issues with foreign substances entering between the reading unit and transparent member, leading to image noise, and misalignment of the document with the reading line due to component tolerance, which affects image reading accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a movable member that adjusts the position of the reading unit within a case, allowing it to change its angle relative to the document conveyance direction, while preventing foreign substances from entering by covering the case opening and connecting the reading unit to a cover portion, eliminating the need for an elastic member in the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic member is disposed to fill the gap between the opening of the sealing portion and the protruding portion to maintain the sealed state, then foreign substances can be prevented from entering, but the reading unit cannot be adjusted due to the elastic member blocking the movement path
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is divided into a cover portion that seals the opening and a connection portion that connects to the reading unit. This segmentation allows the sealing function and adjustment function to be separated, enabling the reading unit to move while maintaining the sealed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member is designed to be movable in the adjustment direction, allowing the reading unit to change its position and angle dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by making the sealing structure adaptable to the adjustment movement rather than fixed.
2Measurement precision
If the reading unit is made adjustable to correct misalignment with the document leading edge, then image reading accuracy improves, but the sealed state may be compromised allowing foreign substances to enter
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sealing cover from the reading unit connection, the system allows adjustment movement while maintaining sealing integrity. The cover portion remains sealed while the connection portion enables reading unit movement for alignment correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member acts as an intermediary between the sealed case opening and the adjustable reading unit. It transmits the adjustment movement while maintaining the seal, preventing foreign substance entry during positioning adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a protruding portion is added to the reading unit to enable position adjustment, then adjustability improves, but the gap between the protruding portion and sealing portion opening must be filled with elastic members which may fail to maintain sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is segmented into a cover portion for sealing and a connection portion for adjustment. This eliminates the need for elastic members in the gap while maintaining both sealing and adjustability functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using elastic members that may partially fail to seal, the cover portion provides complete sealing coverage of the opening while allowing full adjustment range through the connection portion's movement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a document placement unit, a document conveyance unit, a reading unit, a case, and a movable member. The document conveyance unit conveys a document, placed on the document placement unit, along a conveyance path. The case accommodates the reading unit and includes a transparent member which allows passing of light to receiving elements, and an opening. The movable member includes a cover portion and a connection portion and moves in an adjustment direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the case. The cover portion covers the case opening while being in contact with an outside of the case. The connection portion connects the reading unit and the cover portion. When the movable member moves in the adjustment direction, the reading unit moves within the case to change an angle of the reading unit with respect to a document conveyance direction.