Multi-purpose peripheral with pivotal covers for flat scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-purpose peripherals have a U-shaped transporting path that limits the height and thickness of documents that can be scanned, making them difficult to store and use in space-constrained environments, and do not provide a suitable surface for placing other electronic devices, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose peripheral with two pivotal covers that create a smooth, flat supporting surface, allowing for sheet-fed and flatbed scanning, and featuring a non-U-shaped transporting path with a lower output roller level, enabling easier placement of other devices and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a U-shaped transporting path is used, then the original can be transported and scanned, but the height cannot be reduced and the thickness and hardness range of the original are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting path is divided into two separate paths: a first transporting path for sheet-fed scanning and a second transporting path for flatbed scanning. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, eliminating the need for a U-shaped path and enabling height reduction while maintaining versatility for different document types and thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical stacking arrangement where the first cover and second cover are positioned at different heights. The first cover provides a flatbed scanning surface at a higher level, while the second cover with the output roller is at a lower level. This dimensional arrangement allows the machine to accommodate thicker and harder originals without increasing the overall height.
2Ease of operation
If the supply tray is made protruding to support the original, then the original can be fed, but the machine becomes susceptible to collision and damage and cannot be easily stored
Solution Approach 1:
The supply tray is designed to be retractable and can be nested within the body of the machine when not in use. This allows the tray to extend forward during operation to facilitate original feeding, while retracting to a protected position within the machine body to prevent collision and damage, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the height of the machine is increased to accommodate the covers, then the covers can be lifted for flatbed scanning, but a lot of space is wasted and too much adjustable flexibility cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic cover mechanisms where the first cover and second cover can pivot and adjust to different positions. The covers are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt to different scanning operations (flatbed and sheet-fed) and document sizes. This dynamic design provides adjustable flexibility while minimizing the space occupied when the machine is not in use.
4Ease of operation
If the machine height is increased, then the covers can be lifted for scanning, but the user needs to stand for a long time to operate the machine reducing working efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the first cover and second cover to provide a substantially level upper surface, creating an equipotential working surface for the user. This level surface allows the user to place and remove originals easily without having to bend or stretch, improving ease of operation. The covers are positioned and sized to provide adequate access while maintaining a compact overall height, thereby improving working efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In a multi-purpose peripheral, a first cover pivotally disposed on a body has a lower surface and a platen portion opposite the lower surface; a second cover pivotally disposed on the body is separated from the first cover by a gap; a first scan assembly movably disposed in the body acquires an image of a first document covered, by the lower surface of the first cover, onto a transparent platen of the body; a transporting mechanism disposed in the body and the second cover transports a second document on the first cover; and a second scan assembly disposed in the second cover acquires an image of the second document transported by the transporting mechanism past the second scan assembly. Upper surfaces of the second cover and the first cover are disposed on the same horizontal surface.