Rotatable Cover Case for Portable Scanner Ejection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable image reading apparatuses face challenges when used in unstable or limited spaces, as they often lack dedicated trays for read media ejection, leading to potential distortion or damage of read images due to obstacles or unsuitable ejection areas.
Innovation Solution
A case design with a rotatable cover that locks in a closed position to house the image reading apparatus, featuring a discharge path that unfolds when needed, ensuring stable ejection of read media regardless of the usage environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the portable image reading apparatus is used in limited spaces (trains, buses, waiting rooms), then the portability and versatility are improved, but the stability of read medium ejection deteriorates due to obstacles and unsuitable surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge tray is nested within the case body and can be rotated between a stored position (parallel to the bottom surface) and a discharged position (perpendicular to the bottom surface). This nesting approach allows the ejection path to be compact during transport while providing a stable discharge surface when needed, resolving the contradiction between portability and ejection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge tray is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change its orientation between stored and discharged positions. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to different usage conditions, providing stability during ejection while maintaining compactness during transport.
2Ease of operation
If the portable image reading apparatus is taken out from the carry case for use, then the ease of operation is improved, but the handling complexity increases due to needing to clear and relocate the case
Solution Approach 1:
The case structure is merged with the discharge tray function, combining the protective housing with the ejection mechanism. The cover of the case serves dual purposes as both a protective element and as the discharge tray when rotated to the perpendicular position. This merging eliminates the need for separate trays or additional components, simplifying handling while maintaining operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The case cover is designed to serve multiple functions: protecting the image reading apparatus when closed, and serving as the discharge tray when rotated open. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If no discharge tray is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the read medium ejection stability deteriorates when obstacles are present or ejection area shape is unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge tray is nested within the case body, utilizing the existing case structure rather than adding a completely separate component. The tray rotates within the confines of the case, providing a stable ejection surface without significantly increasing overall device complexity or requiring additional support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable design of the discharge tray allows it to be positioned optimally for ejection only when needed, rather than requiring a permanently complex structure. The dynamic positioning capability provides ejection stability on demand while maintaining structural simplicity during storage and transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A carry case includes a body, a cover, and a lock unit. The body houses an image scanner. The cover is supported with respect to the body such that the cover can rotate around a longitudinal direction of the body. The lock unit locks the cover to the body in a closing state in which the cover covers the body after being rotated with respect to the body in an approaching direction along which the cover approaches the body. The cover is rotated with respect to the body in a withdrawing direction opposite to the approaching direction while the lock held by the lock unit is being released, so that the cover is developed to form a discharge path of a read medium.