Image Scanner Cover Hinge Inclination Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading devices face the challenge of preventing the cover or automatic document supply unit from inclining when moved from a covering to an exposure position, which can lead to damage due to sliding and rubbing contact with the hinge receiving portion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image reading device with two hinges spaced apart in the axis direction, where one end is inserted into the casing movably perpendicular to the document placement surface, and a contact member with an inclined surface to prevent inclination by guiding the hinge's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hinge is used to connect the cover to the casing, then the structure is simple, but the cover may incline during pivoting motion causing damage to the hinge receiving portion
Solution Approach 1:
The single hinge is divided into two separate hinges spaced apart from each other in the axis direction. This segmentation prevents the cover from inclining during pivoting motion, as the distributed hinge structure provides better stability and alignment, eliminating the risk of damage to the hinge receiving portion while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A contact member with an inclined surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the hinge and the cover. The inclined surface guides the hinge's movement and prevents inclination during pivoting. This mediator ensures smooth operation and proper alignment without requiring complex mechanical constraints.
2Ease of operation
If force is applied to one-side part of the front end portion of the cover, then the cover can be lifted up, but the cover inclines with respect to the casing causing sliding contact
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member with the inclined surface acts as a mediator between the applied lifting force and the hinge movement. When force is applied to lift the cover, the inclined surface guides the hinge to move smoothly in the up-down direction without inclination, preventing sliding and rubbing contact between the hinge lower end portion and the hinge receiving portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface of the contact member changes the direction and distribution of forces during cover lifting. By providing a gradual inclined surface, the lifting force is distributed more evenly across the hinge structure, preventing localized stress and inclination that would cause sliding contact.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device, including: a casing having a document placement surface on which a document is to be placed; a cover provided on the casing and configured to be pivotable relative to the casing about an axis between a covering position at which the cover covers the document support surface and an exposure position at which the document support surface is exposed; two hinges provided so as to be spaced apart from each other in an axis direction in which the axis extends, one end portion of each of the two hinges being inserted into the casing movably in a movement direction perpendicular to the document placement surface while the other end portion is connected to the cover; and a contact member configured to be capable of coming into contact with one of the two hinges in the axis direction.