Compact Scanner Document Conveyance via Vertical Belt Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document conveyance systems for scanners are not compact enough and struggle to precisely convey documents of varying thicknesses, often causing buckling or requiring complex roller arrangements to handle thin or thick documents.
Innovation Solution
The use of thin, elongated rollers supported at multiple positions with a larger diameter support roller and a conveyor belt that provides continuous contact with the document, allowing for even advancement and precise conveyance of documents, while minimizing deflection and accommodating different document types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional document conveyance systems are used, then documents can be conveyed, but the system becomes too long and not compact enough for modern scanners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the conveyance mechanism from a horizontal arrangement (before and after the scan head) to a vertical arrangement (above and below the scan head in the Z-direction). This dimensional change allows the conveyor belt to loop vertically around rollers, dramatically reducing the horizontal length of the system while maintaining full conveyance functionality.
2Ease of operation
If rollers are arranged before and after the scan head to convey documents, then documents can be conveyed, but the scanner requires a minimum dimension in the conveying direction
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system transitions from occupying horizontal space (X-direction) to occupying vertical space (Z-direction). The conveyor belt loops above and below the scan head, utilizing the Z-dimension to achieve conveyance without increasing the scanner's horizontal footprint, thus eliminating the minimum dimension requirement in the conveying direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If three different positions contact the document in the conveying direction, then documents can be conveyed, but the system cannot properly handle thin or thick documents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable pressure distribution along the conveyor belt's contact path. The belt applies gentle contact pressure for thin documents to avoid buckling, while maintaining sufficient friction for thick documents. This localized quality adjustment—different pressure characteristics at different points along the conveyance path—enables reliable handling of documents with varying thicknesses.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional conveyance systems are used, then documents can be moved, but they cause buckling and cannot precisely convey documents
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt provides continuous contact with the document throughout the entire conveyance path, from the pickup point through the scan head to the discharge point. This continuous action ensures uniform pressure distribution and consistent friction engagement, preventing document buckling and achieving precise conveyance positioning without the discontinuities inherent in roller-based systems.
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 configuration enables a compact, precise, and flexible document conveyance system that securely handles both thin and thick documents without buckling, maintaining even pressure and reducing wear on the scanning glass.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor belt is arranged to convey a document between an outer surface of the conveyor belt and a flat surface
Implementation Method 2
a support roller is arranged in contact with the outer surface of the conveyor belt so that it rolls against the first and second rollers with the conveyor belt in between
Data Source
AI summary
The document conveying device (2) for use in a scanner (1) or the like comprises a conveyor belt (3) arranged to convey a document (4) between an outer surface (5) of the conveyor belt and a flat surface (6). The conveyor belt (3) has an inner surface (9) supported by a first and a second roller (10, 11). Each of the first and second rollers (10, 11) is supported at three or more positions along its length in order to at least partially counteract forces from the conveyor belt (3) tending to deflect said roller.