Scanner Cover Hinge Mechanism for Smooth Pivoting and Rattle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses experience poor operability and rattling issues when opening and closing the cover due to inadequate hinge mechanisms, which affect the smooth movement between closed and open positions.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus employs a hinge mechanism with a first hinge having an urging member to maintain the cover at a pivoted position, and additional hinges positioned relative to the cover's center of gravity and handle to reduce frictional resistance, ensuring smooth operation and preventing rattling. This configuration includes a first hinge with an urging member, a second hinge closer to the center of gravity, and a third hinge positioned opposite to the first hinge, all connected to the scanner housing to facilitate smooth pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge mechanism is added to enable cover pivoting, then operability is improved, but rattling occurs due to insufficient frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frictional resistance parameter by adding a frictional resistance generation portion (protrusion and groove structure) to the hinge mechanism. This increases the frictional resistance to prevent rattling while maintaining smooth pivoting operation, directly resolving the contradiction between operability and rattling prevention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge mechanism is positioned closer to the center of gravity, then stability is improved, but frictional resistance increases reducing operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific frictional resistance generation portion only at the necessary location in the hinge mechanism. The protrusion and groove structure is localized to generate frictional resistance precisely where needed to prevent rattling, while other parts of the hinge maintain low friction for smooth operation, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and operability.
3Ease of operation
If multiple hinges are added to reduce frictional resistance, then device complexity increases, but manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frictional resistance generation function with the existing hinge structure by incorporating a protrusion and groove structure within the hinge components themselves. This integration eliminates the need for separate friction-reducing mechanisms or additional hinges, thereby maintaining operational smoothness while avoiding increased device complexity and manufacturing cost.
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
The solution enhances operability by reducing frictional resistance and preventing rattling, allowing the cover to open and close smoothly, thereby improving user interaction and maintaining accurate positional alignment between the reading sensor and conveyed sheets.
Implementation Method 1
The first hinge further includes an urging member configured to exert an urging force between the base member and the pivot member so as to maintain the cover at a pivoted positon between the closed position and the open position.
Implementation Method 2
The hinge mechanism further includes a second hinge disposed closer to the center of gravity in the first direction than the first hinge. The first hinge further includes an urging member configured to exert an urging force between the base member and the pivot member so as to maintain the cover at a pivoted positon between the closed position and the open position.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit, a cover, and a hinge mechanism connecting the cover to the reading unit pivotably about a pivot axis which extends in a first direction. A center of gravity of the cover is closer to a first end of the cover in a first direction than to a second end of the cover. A first hinge is spaced from the center of gravity toward the second end of the cover in the first direction. A second hinge is disposed closer to the center of gravity in the first direction than the first hinge. The first hinge includes a base member disposed movably in the reading unit, a pivot member coupled to the cover, and an urging member exerting an urging force between the base member and the pivot member so as to maintain the cover at a pivoted position.