Printer-Scanner Layout with Offset Document Table Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording devices inefficiently utilize the dimensional difference between the image scanning and image forming sections, resulting in a small and inconvenient storage space.
Innovation Solution
The recording device incorporates a scanning unit above the recording unit, with a document table larger than the medium accommodation section, shifting its center position to create a space area below the scanning unit, which is utilized for storage or functional sections, and allows for detachable storage or functional modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the storage structure is provided on the left side of the housing of the image forming section, then the storage space is created, but the storage space is small and not efficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from utilizing only the left-right dimensional difference to exploiting the three-dimensional space by placing the storage section below the scanning unit and to the left of the medium accommodation section. This vertical and spatial reconfiguration creates a previously unused storage volume, transforming the device's internal space utilization from two-dimensional to three-dimensional.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional sections: the scanning unit, medium accommodation section, and storage section. By segmenting the housing into these separate zones with clear spatial boundaries, the patent creates dedicated storage space without interfering with the operational functions of other components.
2Volume of stationary object
If the center position of the document table is shifted in the first direction with respect to the center position of the medium accommodation section, then a space area is created below the scanning unit, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry by shifting the center position of the document table relative to the medium accommodation section. This asymmetric arrangement creates an otherwise wasted space volume beneath the scanning unit, which is then productively utilized as a storage section. The asymmetric design transforms a structural irregularity into a functional advantage.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording device is equipped with a recording unit and a scanning unit. The document table of the scanning unit is located so that the longitudinal direction of the document table is aligned with the width directions of the device. The size of the document table in the width directions of the device is larger than the size of the medium accommodation section, the center position of the document table in the width directions of the device is shifted in a first direction with respect to the center position of the medium accommodation section, and the recording unit has is a storage section that can hold article at the medium accommodation section side in the first direction and below the scanning unit.