Compact Recording Apparatus with Sheet Feed Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multifunction image reading/recording apparatuses have a large front-rear dimension due to the projection of the image reading device over the image recording device, which limits space for medium discharge and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a sheet feed type document reading mechanism positioned above the housing, allowing for a compact design by eliminating the need for a flat-bed type configuration, and incorporating a medium receiving section that serves as a support tray, reducing the overall size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the image reading device is provided above the image recording device in a flat-bed type configuration, then the recording-sheet discharge tray can be exposed without being covered, but the size of the overall apparatus in the front-rear direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the document reading mechanism from a flat-bed type to a sheet feed type positioned above the housing. This dimensional repositioning allows the reading unit to be located in the vertical dimension rather than projecting in the front-rear direction, thereby reducing the apparatus's depth while maintaining discharge tray accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The medium receiving section is designed to serve dual functions: receiving discharged recording sheets and supporting documents for scanning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structures, reducing overall apparatus size while maintaining both discharge and scanning capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flat-bed type image reading device is used, then the document can be read, but the vertical dimension and depth of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the document reading mechanism from a horizontal flat-bed configuration to a vertical sheet feed configuration above the housing. This dimensional change maintains document reading capability while significantly reducing the apparatus's footprint and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet feed type reading mechanism provides an alternative implementation of document reading functionality that achieves the same purpose as a flat-bed scanner but with a more compact form factor suitable for integration above the recording device.
3Ease of operation
If the medium receiving section is designed separately from the support tray, then each function can be optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The medium receiving section is designed to simultaneously function as both a discharge tray for recording sheets and a support tray for documents to be scanned. This multi-functional design reduces structural complexity and component count while maintaining optimal performance for both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the medium receiving section and the document support tray into a single integrated structure. This combination eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall device architecture while preserving the functionality of both the discharge and scanning operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes: a recording unit that performs recording on a medium; a medium discharging section that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed; a medium receiving section that receives the medium discharged by the medium discharging section; a face-down discharge path that guides, to the medium discharge section, the recorded medium with a recorded side thereof facing downward; a document movement path that is provided at an upper part of a housing constituting an outer casing of the recording apparatus and along which a document moves; and a reading unit provided in the document movement path to read the document. The medium receiving section also serves as a support tray that supports the document to be inserted into the document movement path or the document exiting from the document movement path.