Printer Scanner Load Distribution via Contact Portions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing complex apparatuses with a printer and scanner configuration face issues where the load of the scanner can cause the upper plate to bend, potentially interfering with internal units, and increasing the apparatus size to accommodate this is problematic.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a recording device with a hinge-mounted image reading device that uses contact portions to distribute the load to the apparatus frame, preventing bending and maintaining a compact size by using separate plate portions and support structures to absorb the load effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the upper plate directly supports the scanner through push-pins, then the support structure is simple, but the upper plate bends and interferes with internal units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidupper plate stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented from the upper plate to the apparatus frame. The upper plate no longer directly supports the scanner, but transfers the load to the frame through contact portions. This segmentation prevents the upper plate from bearing the scanner's weight, eliminating bending while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Contact portions act as intermediaries between the scanner and the apparatus frame. These portions transfer the load from the scanner through the upper plate to the frame, preventing direct stress concentration on the upper plate while ensuring stable support. The intermediary structure resolves the conflict between simple support and plate stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a space is provided to permit bending between the upper plate and internal units, then the bending issue is resolved, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupper plate stabilityVSAvoidapparatus volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented from the upper plate to the apparatus frame. The upper plate no longer directly supports the scanner, but transfers the load to the frame through contact portions. This segmentation prevents the upper plate from bearing the scanner's weight, eliminating bending while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The load transfer path is shifted from a vertical support through the upper plate to a distributed path involving contact portions and the apparatus frame. This dimensional redistribution of support forces allows the upper plate to remain stable without requiring additional clearance space, maintaining compact apparatus dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the load is concentrated on the upper plate, then the support structure is simple, but the upper plate bends and may interfere with internal units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidupper plate strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented from the upper plate to the apparatus frame. The upper plate no longer directly supports the scanner, but transfers the load to the frame through contact portions. This segmentation prevents the upper plate from bearing the scanner's weight, eliminating bending while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact portions are designed to engage with the apparatus frame before the upper plate can bend under load. This preliminary load transfer path prevents stress concentration on the upper plate, maintaining its strength without requiring structural modifications or increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 configuration ensures that the load of the image reading device is properly distributed, preventing unnecessary deformation and maintaining the apparatus size without compromising internal unit integrity.

Implementation Method 1

Each cylinder includes a push-pin contained within a groove portion in the upper plate and a spring that biases the push-pin in a projecting direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8564852B2Complex apparatus

Publication Date: 2013.10.22 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A complex apparatus includes a recording device including a recording unit that executes recording on a medium; an image reading device, provided so as to be freely openable/closable with respect to the upper portion of the recording device via a hinge portion, including an image reading unit that reads an image; a first contact portion, provided in the image reading device, that makes contact with a housing of the recording device when the image reading device is in a closed state; a second contact portion, provided in the housing of the recording device, that makes contact with the first contact portion when the image reading device is in a closed state; and a third contact portion, provided in an apparatus frame that holds the recording unit, that makes contact with the housing of the recording device at the lower area of the second contact portion.