Racetrack Guiding Structure for Dual-Side Document Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional scanning apparatuses face issues with document sheet alignment and jamming due to complex automatic document feeders, which are not suitable for thicker documents and result in inaccurate image capture when scanning both sides.

Innovation Solution

A scanning apparatus with a guiding structure that allows the scanning module to slide between two track portions, enabling it to capture both sides of a document sheet without flipping, using a stepper motor for precise control and image correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an automatic document feeder with flipping device is used to scan both sides of a document sheet, then the scanning apparatus can capture images of both front and reverse sides, but the design becomes complex and document sheets may be subjected to jam problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to scan both sides of documentVSAvoidcomplexity of automatic document feeder

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of flipping the document sheet to scan both sides, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the document stationary and moving the scanning module along a racetrack-shaped guiding structure that allows the scanning module to approach the document from both front and reverse sides. This eliminates the flipping mechanism and associated complexity while maintaining the capability to scan both sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a racetrack-shaped guiding structure that adds a dimensional aspect to the scanning module's movement path. The scanning module travels along a curved racetrack that positions it over the document from different sides, enabling dual-side scanning without requiring document flipping or complex feeder mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the document sheet is fed rapidly through the automatic document feeder for fast scanning, then the scanning speed is improved, but the document sheet may experience inaccurate alignment and image capture errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning speedVSAvoidalignment accuracy of document sheet

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the document sheet from the feeding mechanism entirely, placing it stationary on the scanning platform. By removing the document from the rapid feeding process and keeping it fixed in position, the system eliminates alignment errors that occur during rapid document transport while maintaining fast scanning capability through efficient racetrack module movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If two scan heads are mounted to respectively capture images of front and reverse sides, then both sides can be scanned simultaneously, but the production cost increases and coordination between two scan heads becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to scan both sidesVSAvoidcoordination complexity of two scan heads

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the dual-side scanning capability into a single scanning module by utilizing a racetrack-shaped guiding structure. The same scanning module that captures the front side image travels along the racetrack to position itself for capturing the reverse side image, eliminating the need for two separate scan heads and their associated coordination complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7518767B2Scanning module movement process and guiding structure therefor

Publication Date: 2009.04.14 INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC

AI summary

A scanning apparatus of the invention comprises a scanning module that is slidably mounted to a guiding structure, and a scanning platform where is placed a document sheet to be scanned. The guiding structure includes a first track portion and a second track portion that oppositely face the scanning platform. Thereby when the scanning module is located on the first track portion, it captures the image of the front side of the document sheet. When the scanning module is located on the second track portion, it captures the image of the reverse side of the document sheet.