Scanner Belt Detection Unit Interference Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flatbed-type scanners, the detection unit often interferes with the belt mechanism due to its positioning within the scanning region, leading to potential interference and instability during document scanning.
Innovation Solution
The detection unit is strategically placed between the sides of an annular belt that draws the reading carriage, with a pulley configuration that allows for a wider spacing and flexible placement, preventing interference and stabilizing the carriage during scanning. Additionally, the drive source is positioned closer to the drive pulley to shorten the drive force transmission route, and multiple detection units are used to accommodate various document sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the detection unit is disposed on the side opposite to the mounting surface within the scanning region to detect document sheet presence, then detection function is achieved, but interference with the belt mechanism occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit is repositioned from the scanning region to the region between the first and second sides of the belt in the width direction, changing its spatial dimension. This allows the detection unit to maintain its detection function while avoiding interference with the belt mechanism, as it now operates in a different spatial zone that does not conflict with the belt's movement path
2Stability of the object's composition
If the belt is stretched in a triangle with three pulleys to achieve stable reading carriage drawing, then reading carriage stability is improved, but the region occupied by the belt expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized usable space between the first and second sides of the belt where the detection unit can be positioned. This local quality approach identifies and utilizes the specific region between belt sides that is suitable for housing the detection unit, thereby accommodating the detection function within the existing belt structure without requiring additional space expansion
3Loss of time
If the drive source is positioned closer to the third pulley than to the first or second pulley to shorten drive force transmission route, then transmission efficiency is improved, but device layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third pulley serves as an intermediary element that enables the drive source to be positioned optimally for efficient drive force transmission. By introducing this intermediate pulley, the system achieves shorter transmission routes and improved efficiency while maintaining a manageable layout, as the third pulley mediates between the drive source and the reading carriage belt connection
Data Source
AI summary
An image reader includes a reading carriage, on which a reading unit is mounted and which performs scanning along a document-sheet platen in a scanning direction, and an annular belt that draws the reading carriage. The belt includes a first side extending in the scanning direction to which the reading carriage is fixed, and a second side that is disposed to be spaced from the first side. The detection unit that detects a document sheet mounted on the document-sheet platen is disposed in a region between the first side and the second side of the belt in a direction intersecting with the scanning direction.