Cable Slack Management in Image Scanner Openable Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image reading apparatus has a complex rear configuration due to exposed cable slack and a cover that impairs its appearance, and variations in cable slack can hinder the pivoting and up-and-down movements of the openable unit, either by causing the cable to be stretched taut or pinched between units.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a holding member that includes a guide portion to manage cable slack, allowing it to follow the openable unit's movements by adjusting its position to maintain appropriate slack within the main unit, preventing exposure and interference with the unit's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the cable slack is accommodated in the introduction portion to improve appearance, then the appearance quality is improved, but the cable may be stretched taut or pinched when the openable unit moves, impairing its movement
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed to be movable along the cable within the introduction portion, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on the cable's slack condition. This enables the system to maintain both good appearance (by keeping the cable organized) and proper operation (by allowing the holding member to move to accommodate cable length variations during openable unit movement)
2Shape
If a cover is attached to cover the holding member to hide the cable slack, then the appearance is improved, but the configuration at the rear of the main unit becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cable slack management function is extracted from the rear configuration and relocated to the introduction portion at the front of the main unit. This allows the cable to be organized and held in a visible but non-intrusive location, eliminating the need for additional covers or hidden compartments at the rear, thus improving appearance without adding complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a main unit, an openable unit, a cable connected to the openable unit and routed in the main unit, and a holding member attached to the main unit. The holding member includes a first guide portion configured to hold a first specified portion of the cable. The holding member, with the first guide portion holding the first specified portion of the cable, is configured to move from a first position to a second position. When the holding member is in the first position, the cable has no slack in a second specified portion of the cable, the second specified portion being closer to an end of the cable disposed in the openable unit than the first specified portion. When the holding member is in the second position, the cable has slack in a second specified portion of the cable routed in the main unit.