Scanner Control Board Layout for Compact Document Feed Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in size reduction due to the need for separate control substrates in the scanner and document feed units, leading to increased dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The first and second control substrates are integrated into a single substrate placement section of the document feed unit, disposed in directions that intersect the horizontal plane, allowing for overlapping configurations and optimized wiring placement to minimize horizontal dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first control substrate and second control substrate are disposed separately in the upper unit and lower unit, then each control substrate can be independently positioned, but the apparatus size increases due to the need to secure space for each substrate in separate units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first control substrate and second control substrate into a single substrate placement section within the document feed unit. This combining of previously separate components into one location directly reduces the apparatus size by eliminating the need for separate spaces in both upper and lower units, while still allowing independent positioning within the shared section.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate placement section is designed to accommodate multiple control substrates (first and second substrates) simultaneously. This multi-functional placement section serves as a universal mounting area for different control components, optimizing space utilization and reducing overall apparatus dimensions.
2Ease of repair
If the first control substrate and second control substrate are disposed separately in different units, then each substrate can be independently accessed, but maintenance becomes more complex due to the need to access multiple separate locations
Solution Approach 1:
By combining both control substrates into a single substrate placement section, the patent reduces maintenance complexity. Although the substrates remain independently accessible, they are now located in the same area, eliminating the need for technicians to access multiple separate units and simplifying the overall maintenance procedure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the first control substrate and second control substrate are disposed separately in the upper unit and lower unit, then wiring can be routed separately, but wiring management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wiring routing paths by placing both control substrates in the same substrate placement section. This allows wiring to be managed from a single location rather than routing through multiple separate units, simplifying wiring management while still allowing independent electrical connections to each substrate.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a scanner unit configured to read a document, a document feed unit provided above the scanner unit and configured to feed the document and read the fed document, a first substrate configured to control an operation of the scanner unit, and a second substrate configured to control an operation of the document feed unit, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are provided in a substrate placement section of the document feed unit.