Portable Scanner Cradle Assembly with Movable Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable scanners face issues with inconsistent quality, paper jams, difficulty in scanning irregularly-shaped materials, and limitations in handling documents of different sizes and conditions, particularly when using smartphones or handheld scanners.
Innovation Solution
A scanner assembly comprising a board with a cradle assembly that includes movable cradle members and a support bracket, allowing for adjustable tension and positioning of a scanner to scan documents on a board with registration marks for alignment, and a document holder to accommodate various document sizes and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smartphone or handheld scanner is used for portable scanning, then portability is improved, but scanning quality consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cradle assembly as an intermediary device between the scanner and the board. The cradle assembly includes positioning features that guide the scanner along a predetermined path, ensuring consistent scanning quality while maintaining portability. The cradle acts as a mediator that provides structural support and alignment without compromising the portable nature of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle assembly is designed to be movable along the board, allowing dynamic adjustment of the scanner's position. The lock assembly enables the cradle to be locked at different positions, providing both mobility and stability. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different scanning needs while maintaining consistent quality through proper positioning.
2Measurement precision
If a fixed scanner position is used, then scanning quality is improved, but adaptability to different document sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle assembly is designed with movable components that can be positioned at different locations along the board using the lock assembly. This dynamic positioning capability allows the scanner to accommodate documents of various sizes while maintaining consistent scanning quality through proper alignment and positioning at each stage.
3Device complexity
If a simple cradle structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but scanner stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle assembly is divided into separate components: first and second cradle members, a support bracket, and a lock assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity. The modular design provides stability through proper component distribution without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first cradle member defines a pocket with curved surfaces that conform to the scanner's shape. This curvature provides stable support and secure positioning of the scanner within the cradle, enhancing stability without requiring complex rigid structures.
4Stability of the object's composition
If tension is increased to secure the scanner, then scanner stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly provides dynamic tension adjustment, allowing the cradle to be easily opened for scanner installation/removal and then locked into position for stable scanning. The spring mechanism automatically adjusts tension based on the locked position, providing ease of operation during setup and stability during use.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner assembly for portably scanning documents is disclosed. The scanner assembly includes a board and a cradle assembly. The cradle assembly includes a first cradle member and second cradle member spaced from one another, coupled to the board, and configured to receive the scanner. The cradle assembly includes a support bracket disposed between and coupled to the first and second cradle members. The cradle assembly also includes a lock assembly coupled to the first cradle member and movable between a first position where the scanner is fixed to the first and second cradle members and a second position where the scanner is removable from the first and second cradle members. The first and second cradle members and the support bracket of the cradle assembly are movable along the board for allowing the scanner to scan documents disposed on the board.