Reading Device Cover Conceals Attachment Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reading devices and image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing rear surface appearance due to the visibility of attachment frames, which can lead to vibration issues affecting the stability and clarity of the reading process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a reading device design that includes a first cover to conceal the second attachment frame supporting the operation unit and a second cover to hide the reader's attachment frame, utilizing split cover components to ensure these frames are not visible from the outside, thereby enhancing the device's appearance and reducing vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If attachment frames are used to secure the reader and operation unit, then the structural stability and ease of assembly are improved, but the aesthetic appearance of the rear surface deteriorates due to visibility of the frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment frames from visibility by covering them with cover members. The first cover member covers the first attachment frame, and the second cover member covers the second attachment frame, thereby removing the visual defect while preserving the structural function of the frames for assembly and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover members act as intermediary elements between the attachment frames and the external environment. These covers are secured to the housing and extend to cover the attachment frames, serving as a mediating structure that hides the frames while allowing the attachment frames to continue their function of securing components.
2Device complexity
If attachment frames are exposed, then the structural configuration is simple and easy to manufacture, but vibration transmission increases affecting reading stability
Solution Approach 1:
The cover members serve as intermediary damping elements between the attachment frames and the housing. By securing the covers to the housing and having them extend to cover the attachment frames, the patent introduces an additional layer that can absorb and reduce vibration transmission, thereby improving reading stability while maintaining the simple attachment frame structure.
3Shape
If cover members are added to conceal attachment frames, then the aesthetic appearance and vibration reduction are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover structure into separate cover members - a first cover member for the first attachment frame and a second cover member for the second attachment frame. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, where each cover can be produced and installed independently, thereby managing complexity through modularity rather than creating a single complex integrated structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A reading device includes a base on which a read target object is placed, a reader that reads the read target object placed on the base, a first attachment frame to which the reader is attached such that the reader is disposed above the base, an operation unit that is to be operated by a user, a second attachment frame to which a rear surface of the operation unit is attached such that the operation unit is disposed in front of the first attachment frame in a direction toward a front surface of the reading device, and a first cover that covers the second attachment frame. The first cover includes left and right rear cover components that are separately arranged at left and right sides of the first attachment frame serving as a dividing line at the rear surface of the operation unit and that cover at least a portion of the second attachment frame.