Optical Reader Lock Mechanism for Transport Vibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock mechanisms for optical carriages in image reading apparatuses are prone to component breakage due to vibrations during transport and fail to prevent floating or rattling, leading to apparatus failure.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with a biasing member that applies a force orthogonal to the scanning direction, increasing friction between the optical carriage and the rail, thereby preventing movement and ensuring the carriage remains securely locked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the carriage is fixed by fitting and coupling two members (lock plate and carriage), then the carriage is inhibited from moving in the sub-scanning direction, but the carriage vibrates intensely and components break during transport due to repeated vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the lock plate from a rigid fixed connection to an elastic deformable connection. The lock plate is made to elastically deform during engagement, allowing it to absorb vibration energy and reduce intense vibrations that cause component breakage, while still maintaining effective fixation of the carriage in the sub-scanning direction.
2Reliability
If the lock plate is made to elastically deform, then vibration during transport is reduced and components are protected, but the lock mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock plate is designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that enable elastic deformation. By carefully selecting the material and cross-sectional dimensions of the lock plate, the patent achieves vibration damping through elastic deformation without requiring additional complex components or mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the carriage is locked in a predetermined position, then movement is prevented, but the carriage may float or rattle in other directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical interaction between the carriage and rail from a simple sliding contact to a friction-based constraint. By making the lock plate elastically deform, it applies continuous pressure against the carriage, increasing friction to prevent floating or rattling in directions orthogonal to the scanning direction, while maintaining smooth movement during operation.
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 solution effectively inhibits movement and floating of the optical carriage, reducing the risk of component breakage and noise during transport, while maintaining the carriage in a predetermined position.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing force of the biasing member is configured to act on the carriage in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction so as to increase friction between the carriage and a traveling rail
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an image reading apparatus for enabling an optical carriage movably supported in a rail member to be locked reliably in a predetermined position of an apparatus frame without causing failure by shock in transport, one of the apparatus frame and optical carriage is provided with a lock member traveling between a release position and a lock position, and a biasing member for biasing the lock member in a predetermined direction, and the other one is provided with an engagement receiving portion being fitted with an engagement portion formed in the lock member. Then, the engagement portion and the engagement receiving portion are configured to inhibit movements in the scanning direction of the optical carriage in the lock position, and the biasing force of the biasing member is concurrently configured to act on the carriage in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction so as to increase friction between the carriage and a traveling rail.