Scanner Upper Unit Inversion for Compact Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combination scanners are bulky, making them difficult for people in wheelchairs to use due to their height, and they lack a compact design that reduces component and transportation costs.
Innovation Solution
A combination scanner design where the reading unit is positioned on the upper unit, allowing for both flatbed and document feed scanning, with a compact lower unit that reduces the overall thickness and height of the scanner, enabling it to be integrated with printers for reduced total height and improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the reading unit is positioned on the lower unit, then the scanner can perform document feed scanning, but the overall thickness and height of the scanner increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the reading unit on the upper unit instead of the lower unit. This inversion allows the document feed path to be configured above the platen glass, enabling document feed scanning while maintaining a compact thickness because the reading unit does not need to be positioned deep within the lower unit's thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the reading unit on the upper unit and configuring the document feed path to extend upward from the platen glass. This dimensional reorganization allows document feed scanning functionality to be achieved without increasing the horizontal thickness of the scanner, as the document feed path is arranged in the vertical space above the platen glass.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scanner is designed with conventional components arranged for document feed scanning, then scanning functionality is achieved, but the total height increases making it difficult for people in wheelchairs to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the reading unit on the upper unit instead of the lower unit. This inversion allows the document feed path to be configured above the platen glass, enabling document feed scanning while maintaining a compact thickness because the reading unit does not need to be positioned deep within the lower unit's thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the scanner into distinct upper and lower units with the reading unit positioned on the upper unit. This segmentation allows the lower unit to be optimized for compactness and printer integration, while the upper unit houses the reading unit and document feed path. The separated structure enables reduced overall height while maintaining full scanning functionality.
3Length of stationary object
If the scanner uses a compact design with reduced components, then thickness and height are reduced improving accessibility, but component and transportation costs may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upper unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the reading unit for both flatbed and document feed scanning, provides the document feed path, and contains the platen glass assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall component count and potential manufacturing costs despite the compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reading unit, document feed path, and platen glass assembly into a single upper unit structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and transported, potentially lowering overall component and transportation costs while achieving the desired compact thickness.
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 reduces the scanner's thickness and total height, enhancing usability for individuals in wheelchairs, while also lowering component, packaging, and transportation costs by optimizing the scanner's design for reduced size and improved accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion device that receives light reflected from the document and converts an optical signal into an electrical signal through photoelectric conversion
Data Source
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AI summary
A scanner includes a lower unit and an upper unit. The lower unit includes a first document table on which a first document is to be placed. The upper unit includes a second document table on which a second document is to be loaded and a document feed path through which the second document is to be picked up from the second document table fed, the upper unit being coupled to the lower unit to pivot between a closed position in which the first document table is covered and an open position in which the first document table is exposed. The upper unit further includes a reading unit to read an image from the first document and the second document by performing flatbed scanning on the first document and document feed scanning on the second document.