Raisable Scan Head Coplanar Media Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses with automatic document feeders (ADFs) experience paper jams and motion shocks due to non-coplanar media conveying paths, which hinder smooth media transfer and lead to inefficiencies in scanning processes.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus features a moveable first scan head that can be raised to align with the media conveying path, making it coplanar with downstream sections, eliminating the need for an ADF ramp and reducing the likelihood of paper jams by ensuring a planar path for media transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the scan head is positioned beneath the imaging surface for ADF mode scanning, then the scanning function is achieved, but the media conveying path becomes non-coplanar causing paper jams and motion shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The scan head is made movable between a retracted position (for manual mode) and a raised position (for ADF mode). This dynamic positioning allows the media conveying path to be coplanar during ADF scanning, eliminating paper jams and motion shocks while maintaining scanning functionality.
2Ease of operation
If an ADF ramp is used to guide the media sheet, then the media can be directed towards the collecting section, but the non-coplanar path causes paper jams and motion shocks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a static ramp that creates a non-coplanar path, the scan head is dynamically raised to create a coplanar media conveying path. This eliminates the need for the ramp and prevents paper jams and motion shocks while maintaining ease of media guidance.
3Productivity
If the scan head remains stationary beneath the imaging surface, then the ADF scanning function is maintained, but the media conveying path is non-coplanar leading to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The scan head is raised to a position that creates a coplanar media conveying path, ensuring smooth media transfer without paper jams or motion shocks. This dynamic positioning maintains scanning efficiency while improving media transfer reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an automatic document feeder having a media feeding section, a media collecting section and a media conveying path extending from the media feeding section to the media collecting section. The imaging apparatus includes a scan head adjacent to the automatic document feeder. The scan head is moveable to a raised position aligned with a portion of the media conveying path for scanning a media sheet in the portion of the media conveying path.