Rotatable Image Scanner Tray-Triggered Position Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses lack usability improvements, particularly in efficiently switching between operational positions and power modes, leading to increased user intervention and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a support portion and an apparatus body portion that can be rotated for position change, featuring a discharge tray that engages with the support portion to switch positions automatically, and a control system that adjusts power modes based on detected position changes, reducing user operation and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the apparatus body portion is kept in the second position (reading position) to maintain readiness for operation, then the reading function is always available, but the projected area on the mount surface is larger and power consumption is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus body portion is designed to dynamically change its position between first and second positions based on operational needs. The rotatable connection allows the apparatus to transition from a compact first position (reducing projected area and power consumption) to an operational second position (increasing projected area and enabling reading function), thus resolving the contradiction between readiness and energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If manual switching operation is required to change the position of the apparatus body portion, then position control is precise, but the number of user operations increases and usability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge tray is designed to automatically switch the apparatus body portion from the first position to the second position when opened. The tray's movement during discharge operation triggers the position switching mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual position control operations while maintaining reliable position transitions through the mechanical coupling between the tray and apparatus body portion.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a support portion in contact with a mount surface on which the apparatus is mounted, an apparatus body portion that is provided so that a position thereof is changeable by being rotated relative to the support portion, and a discharge tray provided so as to be openable/closeable relative to the apparatus body portion, the discharge tray receiving the original. The apparatus body portion is switchable between a first position that is a position while not in use, and a second position in which reading of the original is performed. When the apparatus body portion is in the first position and when the discharge tray is opened from the closed state, the discharge tray switches the apparatus body portion from the first position to the second position.