Rotating Curved Opposing Member for Image Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices face challenges in preventing conveyance failures and ensuring accurate image reading while conveying objects through narrow gaps, particularly due to the design of opposing members with sharp corners that can catch the object, and the need for multiple reference planes for image correction.
Innovation Solution
An image reading device with a rotating opposing member featuring multiple curved rollers and reference plane members that can be selectively switched to face a transparent body with a gap, allowing for smooth object conveyance and image reading, and enabling different reference planes for image correction based on object thickness and type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reference member with sharp corners is used to provide multiple reference planes, then image correction can be performed, but conveyance failures occur as the sharp corners catch the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing sharp corners with curved surfaces on the reference member. The reference member is designed with multiple curved surfaces that can be rotated into position, allowing image correction while preventing conveyance failures caused by sharp edges catching the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference member is made rotatable, allowing dynamic switching between different curved reference planes. This enables the system to adapt to different image correction needs while maintaining smooth surfaces that prevent conveyance failures throughout the rotation cycle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reference planes are provided on a single reference member, then image correction for different conditions is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides multiple different reference planes for various image correction conditions while maintaining a unified rotatable structure. This consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into a single multi-functional element.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the reference member rotatable, the patent enables a single dynamic component to present different reference planes as needed, replacing what would require multiple static components. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Measurement precision
If a narrow gap is used between the transparent body and opposing body, then image reading accuracy is improved, but conveyance failures increase due to sharp corners catching the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the reference member surfaces that contact or approach the conveyed object. This allows the gap to be narrowed for better image reading accuracy while the curved surfaces prevent the object from catching on sharp edges, maintaining conveyance reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes an image reader, a sheet conveyance passage, a transparent body, an opposing body, and multiple curved opposing portions. The image reader is configured to read an image formed on a target object. The sheet conveyance passage is a passage through which the target object is conveyed. The transparent body is disposed between the sheet conveyance passage and the image reader. The opposing body is disposed facing the transparent body on a side opposite the image reader. The multiple curved opposing portions have respective outwardly curving reference planes. The multiple curved opposing portions are sequentially switched and located at a predetermined image reading position at which the multiple curved opposing portions face the transparent body with a gap through which the target object passes the predetermined image reading position.