Multifunction Device Scanner Offset for Large Sheet Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction devices (MFDs) face challenges when copying large original sheets, as the hanging portion of the sheet can cover the recording sheet, making it difficult for users to observe errors in the recorded image, especially in compact MFDs with a smaller depth and height.
Innovation Solution
The MFD design includes a pivotable original sheet cover and a conveyer path that inverts and conveys the recording sheet to a discharge tray positioned in a way that allows the user to observe the recorded image even when the original sheet is larger than the scanner's readable range, with the discharge tray extended from the front face and the recording sheet conveyed in a manner that exposes a portion for inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the discharge tray is extended from the front face to allow easy observation of recorded sheets, then the ease of operation is improved, but when copying large original sheets, the hanging portion of the original sheet covers the recording sheet, making observation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral displacement offset between the discharge tray and the scanner unit in the width direction (perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction). This dimensional offset creates a spatial separation that prevents the original sheet hanging from the scanner unit from covering the recording sheet in the discharge tray, thereby maintaining observation capability while supporting large original sheet copying.
2Volume of stationary object
If the MFD is made compact with smaller depth and height to improve storage efficiency, then the volume is reduced, but the original sheet more easily reaches and covers the recording sheet in the discharge tray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the width direction (lateral dimension perpendicular to both the conveyance direction and vertical direction) to create an offset between the discharge tray and scanner unit. This lateral separation effectively prevents the original sheet from covering the recording sheet even in compact devices with reduced depth and height, thus maintaining the observation function while achieving compact form factor.
3Ease of operation
If the discharge tray is positioned to allow observation of recorded images, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the offset positioning requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a localized offset positioning specifically to the discharge tray relative to the scanner unit in the width direction. This targeted spatial arrangement provides the necessary observation capability without requiring complex adjustments or reconfigurations of other device components, thus limiting the increase in device complexity to a specific local arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction device including an image recording unit and a scanner unit is provided. The scanner unit includes an image readable plane. The image recording unit includes a first tray, a conveyer path to convey the recording sheet in a first orientation, and a second tray, which is formed along an edge of an opening formed on the front face, and in which the recording sheet having been conveyed in the conveyer path is disposed. The recording sheet in a maximum conveyable size for the conveyer path is disposed to occupy a discharge area in the second tray. A downstream end of the discharge area along a second orientation is in a displaced and downstream position with respect to a downstream end of an image readable area of the image readable plane along the second orientation for a first distance.