Optical Unit Height Adjusting Member for Image Reader
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image readers face challenges in adjusting the inclination of the optical unit after it is assembled, as the inclination adjusting mechanism becomes fixed during assembly and cannot be easily changed.
Innovation Solution
A height adjusting mechanism with a slidable height adjusting member and a grip that projects outward, allowing for the adjustment of the optical unit's inclination by sliding the member between supporting surfaces of different heights, enabling the optical unit to be adjusted even after assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the inclination adjusting member is fixed at a specified position during assembly, then the assembly process is simplified, but the ability to adjust inclination after assembly is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjusting member is designed to be slidable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position dynamically. The member can be moved horizontally along the supporting frame to adjust the inclination of the optical unit after assembly, while still maintaining a fixed supportive function when positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The height adjusting member is divided into multiple segments or steps with different height positions. This segmentation allows the member to provide multiple fixed height options while maintaining the ability to slide between them, combining the benefits of fixed positioning with adjustment capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the height adjusting member is made slidable, then post-assembly adjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjusting member utilizes the weight of the optical unit casing and friction against the supporting frame to maintain position during sliding. No additional locking mechanisms, motors, or complex control systems are required - the system self-regulates through physical principles already present in the basic sliding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The height adjusting member acts as an intermediary element between the supporting frame and the optical unit casing. It provides a simple sliding interface that mediates the adjustment function without requiring complex mechanisms from either the frame or the casing sides.
3Measurement precision
If multiple supporting surfaces at different heights are provided, then precise inclination adjustment is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting surfaces are pre-formed on the height adjusting member during manufacturing with precise height positions. This preliminary action ensures that when the member slides to different positions, the optical unit achieves the correct inclination without requiring additional adjustment steps or complex control systems during assembly or operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit assembly is provided with an optical system including an optical component for irradiating a target object with light and receiving the reflected light, a casing for accommodating the optical system, a supporting frame for supporting a part of the casing, and a height adjusting member having a supporting surface for supporting another part of the casing and placed between the supporting frame and the casing. The height adjusting mechanism is slidable between the supporting frame and the casing with a supported state of the casing by the supporting frame substantially maintained, and the supporting surface includes at least a first supporting surface set at a specified first height position and a second supporting surface set at a second height position different from the first height position.