Movable Sensor Holder for Original Size Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face high costs and operational inefficiencies due to the need for multiple reflective optical sensors to detect various original sizes, leading to potential inaccuracies and increased maintenance time when adapting to different size standards.
Innovation Solution
A movable holding member with a grip portion allows the reflective optical sensor to be easily repositioned within the housing without removing the original platen glass, enabling accurate detection of different size standards using a single sensor, thus reducing costs and maintenance time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple reflective optical sensors are installed to detect various original sizes, then the detection accuracy for different size standards is improved, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sensor holder movable along the platen glass surface. Instead of having multiple fixed sensors, a single reflective optical sensor can be dynamically repositioned to different locations corresponding to different original size standards (A4, A3, A2, etc.). This movement capability allows one sensor to perform the function of multiple sensors, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a sensor holder that can serve multiple functions: it can be positioned at different locations to detect various original sizes (A series, B series, inch series). The single sensor system with movable holder replaces the need for multiple dedicated sensors for different size standards, achieving multi-functionality with a single component
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional reflective optical sensors are installed or sensor positions are changed, then the adaptability to different size standards is improved, but the maintenance time and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable sensor holder enables dynamic repositioning of the sensor along the platen glass. When adaptation to different size standards is needed, the holder can be moved to the appropriate position and fixed, allowing quick reconfiguration without time-consuming removal and reinstallation of multiple sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detection system is segmented into modular components: the sensor itself, the movable holder, and the platen glass surface with marked positions. This segmentation allows the sensor assembly to be independently adjusted and repositioned without affecting other parts of the device, reducing maintenance time and operational complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If staff members travel to ship-to destinations to reconfigure sensors, then the adaptability to different size standards is improved, but the operational cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service functionality by designing the sensor holder with a grip portion that allows users to easily move and reposition the sensor themselves. The system is designed to be user-friendly with clear markings on the platen glass indicating correct sensor positions for different size standards, eliminating the need for specialized service staff to perform reconfiguration
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 solution allows for cost-effective and efficient detection of various original sizes without the need for additional sensors or complex reconfiguration, improving the maintainability and accuracy of the image reading apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor, which is provided in the housing, and is configured to detect presence or absence of the original in a predetermined position on the original platen to identify a size of the original
Data Source
AI summary
An original reading apparatus includes: a reading unit configured to read an original placed on a platen while moving in a predetermined direction in a housing; a sensor provided in the housing and configured to detect presence of the original in a predetermined position on the platen to identify a size of the original; a holding member movable in the housing and configured to hold the sensor and a cable extending from the sensor; and a cover configured to cover a predetermined space on a rear side of the platen mounted to the housing. A grip portion used by an operator to move the holding member is provided at one end of the holding member extending to the predetermined space through an opening portion in a wall on a rear side of the housing. When the cover is removed, the operator is allowed to grip the grip portion.