Movable Reading Unit Segmented Guide for Image Scanner Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face issues with sheet jam and instability in the distance between the image reader and the document due to unevenness or gaps at the boundary between movable and fixed members, leading to potential document catching or jamming.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a movable reading unit with protruded and recessed portions on either the reading unit or a fixed guide, allowing for stable movement in the thickness direction while maintaining a consistent distance, reducing the likelihood of sheet jam and improving image quality by preventing document misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a movable member is used to stabilize the distance between the image reader and the sheet, then the distance stability is improved, but sheet jam occurs at the boundary between movable and fixed members
Solution Approach 1:
The boundary between the movable member and fixed member is divided into multiple segments by providing protruded portions on one member and corresponding recessed portions on the other. This segmentation eliminates the formation of a single large gap or unevenness at the boundary, preventing sheet jam while maintaining distance stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruded portions and recessed portions are strategically positioned at specific locations along the boundary between movable and fixed members. This local modification creates a stepped transition zone that guides the sheet smoothly through the boundary region, preventing jamming while preserving the overall distance stability function.
2Reliability
If protruded portions and recessed portions are provided to prevent sheet jam, then sheet jam is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a completely new guiding mechanism, the solution segments the existing boundary interface into protruded and recessed portions. This approach prevents sheet jam by eliminating gaps while requiring only minor modifications to the existing movable and fixed members, thus avoiding significant increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruded portions and recessed portions are integrated directly into the existing movable member and fixed member structures. This merging of the guiding function with the existing components avoids adding separate dedicated guiding mechanisms, thereby preventing excessive increase in device complexity while achieving sheet jam reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit including a reading sensor to read image information from a sheet through a transparent portion. The reading unit is movable with respect to a frame of the apparatus and is urged by an urging member toward a facing member facing the transparent portion. A fixed guide fixed to the frame is disposed in adjacent to the reading unit in the sheet conveyance direction. A plurality of protruded portions provided on either one of the reading unit and the fixed guide, and a plurality of recessed portions provided on the other of the reading unit and the fixed guide and formed so as to engage with the plurality of the protruded portions. The reading unit is movable with the plurality of the protruded portions loosely fit with the plurality of the recessed portions.