Image Scanner Pivot Axis Relocation for Compact Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image reading apparatus faces challenges in reducing its physical size, particularly in the height direction, due to the location of the pivot axis of the openable unit above the frame member, which necessitates an increase in size, making it difficult to minimize the apparatus's height.
Innovation Solution
The pivot axis of the openable unit is relocated below the first surface and between the second surface and the specified edge of the document support surface, allowing for a reduction in size in both the height and width directions by optimizing the pivot axis's position within the main unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivot axis of the openable unit is located above the upper surface of the frame member in the height direction, then the openable unit can pivot smoothly between closed and released positions, but the height of the image reading apparatus increases, making it difficult to reduce the physical size
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis is inverted from its conventional position above the frame member to a position below the first surface of the frame member. This inversion allows the openable unit to pivot smoothly while reducing the overall height of the apparatus, as the pivot mechanism is now located within or below the frame member rather than extending above it.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axis is nested within the frame member structure, specifically positioned between the second surface and the specified edge of the document support surface. This nesting approach allows the pivot mechanism to be integrated into the existing frame structure without adding external height, while still providing the necessary pivoting functionality.
2Length of stationary object
If the pivot axis is relocated below the first surface and between the second surface and the specified edge of the document support surface, then the apparatus size is reduced in both height and width directions, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis is positioned at a specific location within the frame member structure - below the first surface and between the second surface and the specified edge of the document support surface. This localized positioning optimizes the balance between compactness and functionality, allowing size reduction while maintaining adequate space for the pivot mechanism to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a main unit having a document support surface configured to support a document on the document support surface, a reading unit accommodated in the main unit and configured to read an image of the document supported on the document support surface, and an openable unit coupled to the main unit and configured to pivot about a pivot axis between a closed position where the document support surface of the main unit is covered and a released position where the document support surface of the main unit is exposed. The pivot axis of the openable unit is located, in the main unit, below the document support surface and at a rear of the document support surface.