Scanning Colorimeter Carriage for Contact Measurement Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing color measurement apparatuses face issues with extraneous light interference and potential damage to the measurement target due to contact-based measurement methods, leading to decreased accuracy and integrity concerns.

Innovation Solution

A color measurement apparatus with a carriage-supported colorimeter that performs scanning while maintaining contact with the measurement target, minimizing light interference and impact damage by allowing the colorimeter to protrude and be supported by its own weight, with a scanning mechanism that reduces contact impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the color measurement portion is pressed against the image receiving paper to maintain constant distance, then measurement stability is improved, but the image receiving paper may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoiddamage to image receiving paper

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The color measurement portion is designed to be movable relative to the image receiving paper, transitioning from a fixed pressed state to a contact state where the paper can be lifted. This dynamic adjustment allows the measurement portion to maintain stable contact for measurement while avoiding continuous pressure that would damage the paper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A support member is introduced as an intermediary between the color measurement portion and the image receiving paper. The support member provides structural support to enable the color measurement portion to contact the paper without transmitting excessive force, thus preventing paper damage while maintaining measurement stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the color measurement portion is in a non-contact state with the color measurement target, then the color measurement apparatus is easier to operate, but extraneous light enters the gap and color measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidcolor measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the distance between the color measurement portion and the color measurement target, transitioning from a non-contact state (for ease of operation) to a contact state (for measurement accuracy). The movable color measurement portion can be positioned to achieve optimal contact without requiring complex fixed mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is preliminarily positioned to provide structural support before the color measurement portion contacts the color measurement target. This preliminary setup ensures that when contact is made for accurate measurement, the support member is already in place to prevent extraneous light entry while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12607505B2Color measurement apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A color measurement apparatus to which a colorimeter that measures a color of a color measurement target is configured to be attached in a state in which a color measurement portion is in contact with the color measurement target, includes a carriage that supports the colorimeter, and a scanning mechanism portion that causes the carriage to perform scanning, in which the carriage supports the colorimeter such that the color measurement portion protrudes from a bottom surface of the carriage in a protruding direction toward the color measurement target in a state in which the colorimeter is supported.