Image Reading Device Standby Position Below Inverting Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading devices with movable reading units often have wasted space below the inverting path of the original document transport device, which increases the size of the machine.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the area below the inverting path as a standby position for the reading unit and defining the white reference in this area, allowing the reading unit to perform standby operations and reducing wasted space by integrating the placement and transport areas on a single transparent plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the area below the inverting path is left empty to avoid interference with document transport, then the document transport function is reliable, but wasted space increases and machine size grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the standby position function with the area below the inverting path, combining two previously separate spatial requirements into one location. The reading unit's standby position is specifically positioned in this area, allowing simultaneous use of the space for both document transport clearance and reading unit positioning, thereby reducing overall machine size without compromising transport reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension (below the inverting path) for the standby position rather than only horizontal space. By positioning the reading unit's standby location in the vertical space beneath the inverting path, the design efficiently uses three-dimensional space to reduce the machine's footprint while maintaining proper document transport clearance
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate transparent plates are used for placement area and transport area, then each area can be optimized independently, but the attachment mechanism becomes complex and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the placement area and transport area into a single transparent plate structure. This unified plate eliminates the need for complex attachment mechanisms between multiple plates while maintaining the functional distinction between placement and transport areas through appropriate positioning and dimensioning of the integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The single transparent plate serves multiple functions: it provides the placement area for document positioning, the transport area for document conveyance, and structurally integrates these functions. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall structure and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining area optimization
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes a transparent plate and a CIS. The transparent plate has a placement area in which an original document is placed and a transport area which corresponds to a transport position of the original document by a transport device. The CIS reads an image of the original document via the transparent plate. The transport device includes an inverting path at a position on the transparent plate opposite to the placement area seen from the transport area. On a second surface side of the transparent plate, the CIS is moved among a first reading area which corresponds to the placement area of the transparent plate, a second reading area which corresponds to the transport area of the transparent plate, and a standby position defined below the inverting path of the transport device.