Scanning Device with Integrated Paper Feeding and Glass Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multifunction printers have complex structures and large volumes due to their design limitations, which hinder efficient scanning of various paper types and sizes, such as books and cards, and fail to optimize space usage.
Innovation Solution
A scanning device with a simplified structure and smaller volume design, featuring an outer shell with an accommodating space, a glass platform with automatic and static scan areas, a contact image sensor, a paper feeding unit, and an upper cover with a pivoting mechanism that guides papers into the scanning path, eliminating blind angles and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional platbed scanning unit with paper feeding unit is used, then scanning of single papers and hard documents is achieved, but the device volume is large and structure is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the platbed scanning unit and paper feeding unit into a single integrated scanning device. The glass platform serves dual purposes as both the scanning surface and the paper feeding surface, eliminating the need for separate feeding trays and channels. This integration significantly reduces device volume while maintaining the ability to scan both single papers and multiple documents.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass platform is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the scanning surface for contact image sensors, the feeding surface for paper carriers, and the support structure for the pivoting upper cover. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity and volume.
2Productivity
If a conventional paper feeding unit with feeding channel is used, then multiple papers can be scanned, but the structure becomes complex and volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the conventional separate paper feeding channel by integrating the paper feeding function directly onto the glass platform surface. Paper carriers are fed directly across the glass platform into the scanning area, removing the need for complex feeding channels, guides, and associated mechanical components while maintaining batch scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary paper feeding channel from the conventional design. By removing this intermediate component and directly feeding papers onto the glass platform scanning surface, the device complexity is reduced while the essential function of feeding multiple papers for batch scanning is preserved.
3Ease of operation
If the glass platform front surface is higher than the outer shell front wall, then paper placement is easier, but blind angles are created reducing scanning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an asymmetric transition between the glass platform and outer shell, with the platform surface gradually sloping down to meet the shell wall. This asymmetric design eliminates blind angles while maintaining ease of paper placement, allowing papers to be easily positioned on the platform without creating shadowed areas that would interfere with scanning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a curved or inclined transition surface between the glass platform and outer shell rather than a sharp vertical edge. This curved transition eliminates blind angles by providing a continuous, angle-free surface that allows light and scanning beams to reach all areas, thereby maintaining scanning efficiency while facilitating easy paper placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning device includes an outer shell, a glass platform, a contact image sensor, a paper feeding unit and an upper cover. An inside of the outer shell has an accommodating space. The glass platform is disposed to the outer shell. The glass platform includes an automatic paper fed and scanned area, and a static paper scan area. The contact image sensor is disposed in the accommodating space. The paper feeding unit is disposed to a top surface of the automatic paper fed and scanned area. The upper cover is pivotally disposed to a top surface of the static paper scan area. A top surface of the upper cover is recessed downward to form a paper loading groove.