Rotating Calibrating Unit for Image Reading Device Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately positioning calibrating and reading units due to limitations in their mechanical design, leading to reduced calibration accuracy and defect detection precision.
Innovation Solution
An image reading device with a calibrating unit that is movable about a rotating shaft between closing and opening positions, allowing direct contact and separation with the reading unit, and featuring positioning projections and torsion springs for improved alignment and retention, enhancing calibration accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the calibrating unit is moved by drawing out and inserting it, then the calibrating unit can be separated from the reading unit, but the positioning accuracy between the calibrating unit and the reading unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The calibrating unit is made movable about a rotating shaft, allowing it to dynamically switch between closing and opening positions. This dynamic mechanism enables separation for ease of operation while maintaining positioning accuracy through the positioning projection that engages with the positioning groove at the closing position.
2Measurement precision
If the calibrating unit is made movable about a rotating shaft, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibrating unit is segmented into a movable portion and a fixed portion, with the movable portion rotating about a shaft. This segmentation allows the calibrating unit to be separated from the reading unit when not in use, reducing interference and maintaining simplicity while enabling accurate positioning when needed.
3Measurement precision
If positioning projections and retention grooves are added, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning projection on the movable portion automatically engages with the positioning groove on the fixed portion when the calibrating unit is moved to the closing position. This self-aligning mechanism ensures accurate positioning without requiring complex external positioning systems or additional adjustment procedures, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving high calibration accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design improves the accuracy of positioning and calibration between the calibrating and reading units, leading to enhanced image defect detection and reduced positional errors, thereby increasing the overall precision of the image reading process.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring that applies a force pushing the operation unit toward the retaining position
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes a reading unit that reads an image on a surface of a medium; and a calibrating unit that is disposed to face the reading unit with the medium disposed therebetween and that calibrates the reading unit. The calibrating unit is supported such that the calibrating unit is movable about a rotating shaft between a closing position at which the calibrating unit faces the reading unit and an opening position at which the calibrating unit is separated from the reading unit. The calibrating unit is positioned with respect to the reading unit when the calibrating unit is moved to the closing position.