Movable Partition Plate Resolves Scanner Size and Document Catching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanner units face challenges in reducing size in the up and down direction while maintaining easy document insertion and operation, as reducing the distance between the main tray and partition plates increases the risk of document catching.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with a movable member at one end of the discharged-sheet supporter, which can increase the distance between the end portion and the supply support surface, preventing document catching and allowing for easier insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between the main tray and partition plates is reduced to make the scanner unit smaller, then the size in the up and down direction is reduced, but the risk of document being caught by the partition plates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plate is made movable rather than fixed. It can move between a first position where it extends closer to the main tray (reducing overall size) and a second position where it extends farther from the main tray (preventing document catching during insertion). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between compact size and ease of operation.
2Volume of moving object
If the distance between the main tray and partition plates is reduced, then the scanner unit size is reduced, but the document may be caught by the partition plates during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plate transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can adjust its position. During document insertion, it moves to a safer position that prevents catching, while during normal operation, it moves to a position that minimizes the scanner unit's footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition plate is positioned in advance at a safe distance from the main tray during the document insertion phase, before the document is actually placed. This preliminary positioning prevents the document from being caught, and then it moves closer afterward to maintain compact size.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes: a supply-sheet supporter having a supply support surface that supports a sheet; a conveyor configured to convey the sheet from the supply-sheet supporter along a conveyance path; and a discharged-sheet supporter disposed above the supply-sheet supporter and configured to support the sheet conveyed by the conveyor. The discharged-sheet supporter includes: a particular end portion located farthest from the conveyor in the discharged-sheet supporter and opposed to the supply support surface from above; and a movable member including the particular end portion at one of opposite end portions of the movable member, which one is farther from the conveyor than another of the opposite end portions. The movable member is pivotable in a direction in which a distance between the particular end portion and the supply support surface is increased.