Image Scanner Compact Layout via Recessed Feed Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image scanners face challenges in reducing size in both the upper-lower and sheet feed directions due to the arrangement of components such as the pickup roller, back side image reading module, pressing portion, and friction member, which limits their compactness.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a document placement surface with a recess, friction pad, and protrusions to accommodate the feed roller and elastic bodies, allowing for a more compact layout by reducing the size in the upper-lower direction and optimizing the arrangement of components along the sheet feed path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the pickup roller, back side image reading module, pressing portion, and friction member are arranged in the upper-lower direction, then the sheet feed direction size is reduced, but the upper-lower direction size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional redistribution by arranging components not only in the upper-lower direction but also utilizing the sheet feed direction space. The friction member is positioned at the downstream end of the document placement surface in the sheet feed direction, while the pickup roller is positioned at the upstream end, creating a distributed layout that optimizes both directional dimensions.
2Length of stationary object
If the feed roller is positioned lower to reduce upper-lower direction size, then compactness improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by positioning the feed roller within a recess formed in the document placement surface. This recess allows the feed roller to be embedded into the structure, reducing the overall upper-lower direction height while maintaining functional integrity and avoiding additional complex support structures.
3Area of stationary object
If the document placement surface is made compact, then overall size is reduced, but the friction member and recess space become constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a recess with a bottom surface at a position lower than the document placement surface, specifically designed to accommodate the feed roller. This localized structural modification provides the necessary space for the feed roller without significantly increasing the overall document placement surface area, while ensuring reliable document feeding and double feeding prevention.
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
This configuration effectively reduces the size of the image scanner in both the upper-lower and sheet feed directions, enhancing its compactness while preventing double feeding and maintaining image reading quality.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of elastic bodies are configured to press the second reading sensor toward the document that is conveyed toward the other side in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The friction pad is configured to contact, from below, the document supported by the document placement surface. Thus, the friction pad suppresses double feeding of the lowermost document placed on the document placement surface
Data Source
AI summary
A first reading sensor reads a first surface of a document. A second reading sensor reads a second surface of the document. An elastic body presses the second reading sensor toward the document that is conveyed toward an other side in a first direction. A conveyance guide includes a protrusion accommodating the elastic body. A friction pad contacts, from below, the document supported by a document placement surface. A recess is recessed downward from the document placement surface. A feed roller at a lowermost position enters the recess. An opening is formed in the document placement surface. The opening allows an exposed surface of the protrusion to be exposed to a side to which the document placement surface faces. The friction pad, the recess, and the opening are arranged away from one another in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and an upper-lower direction.