Recording Apparatus Depth Reduction via Overlapping Document Reader
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multifunction recording apparatuses with document reading capabilities have a structural design that increases the apparatus depth, making them unsuitable for downsizing.
Innovation Solution
The recording apparatus incorporates a document reading mechanism unit positioned above the recording unit, with a frame structure that overlaps the feed roller and recording unit in the depth and vertical directions, allowing for a reduction in both depth and height dimensions by integrating the reading unit into the apparatus main body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the document reading mechanism unit is provided in the upper part of the apparatus main body, then the apparatus can perform document reading function, but the apparatus depth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the document reading mechanism unit in the upper part of the apparatus main body, utilizing the vertical dimension (height) to accommodate the reading function. By overlapping the reading unit with the feed roller in the depth direction and with the frame in the vertical direction, the design transfers the space requirement from the depth dimension to the height dimension, thereby resolving the contradiction between adding document reading capability and increasing apparatus depth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reading system is provided at a position closer to the front than the recording system, then the document reading function is achieved, but the apparatus depth necessarily increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the document reading mechanism unit is positioned to overlap with existing components in the depth direction. Specifically, the reading unit overlaps the feed roller in the depth direction, allowing the reading system to be nested within the spatial envelope already occupied by the feed mechanism, thereby avoiding additional depth increase while maintaining front-positioned reading capability.
3Volume of stationary object
If the document reading mechanism unit is integrated into the upper part of the apparatus main body, then the overall apparatus size is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the document reading mechanism unit with the existing apparatus main body structure by positioning it in the upper part and allowing it to overlap with the frame and feed roller. This integration combines multiple functions (recording, feeding, and reading) into a compact unified structure, reducing the overall apparatus volume while the overlapping arrangement manages the inherent structural complexity through spatial efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A recording apparatus includes: an apparatus main body having a recording unit that performs recording onto a recording medium; and a document reading mechanism unit having a reading unit that reads a document and a document transport unit that transports a document to the reading unit, the document reading mechanism unit being provided in an upper part of the apparatus main body, wherein the apparatus main body includes: a feed roller that feeds the recording medium toward the front of the apparatus; and a frame having a frame surface intersecting the horizontal direction, the frame being located between the feed roller and the recording unit in an apparatus depth direction, and a part of the document reading mechanism unit overlaps the feed roller in the apparatus depth direction, and overlaps the frame in the vertical direction.