Sheet Conveying Device with Linked Pivotable Supporters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheet conveying devices in image reading apparatuses face challenges in achieving both aesthetic design and high functionality, as the exterior surface is prone to dust accumulation and staining, while the sheet receiving surface requires ribs for smooth document output, creating inconsistent demands.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying device with a conveyor system and pivotable supporters, where the first supporter forms the exterior surface when closed and supports sheets when open, and the second supporter supports output sheets, with a link mechanism that moves both supporters in conjunction to maintain a clean and functional surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sheet receiving surface is exposed to outside, then the functionality for sheet support is improved, but dust accumulation and staining occur on the exterior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the supporter into two distinct surfaces: a first surface that forms the exterior surface when closed, and a second surface that supports sheets when open. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic exterior surface requirements and functional sheet support requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporter is designed to be movable between closed and open positions, dynamically changing which surface is exposed and which is functional. When closed, the first surface provides the aesthetic exterior; when open, the second surface provides sheet support. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt between aesthetic and functional requirements.
2Shape
If the exterior surface is made smooth and flat, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the sheet receiving surface cannot have ribs for smooth document output
Solution Approach 1:
The supporter is segmented into two surfaces with different characteristics: the first surface is smooth and flat for aesthetic exterior appearance, while the second surface has ribs for smooth document output. This segmentation allows both surfaces to have their optimal characteristics without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the supporter have different local qualities tailored to their specific functions. The first surface has smooth, flat local quality for aesthetics, while the second surface has ribbed local quality for document handling. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between aesthetic and functional requirements.
3Device complexity
If the same surface is used for both exterior surface and sheet support, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing sheet staining is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The supporter is segmented into two distinct surfaces with different functions: the first surface for exterior appearance and the second surface for sheet support. This segmentation, while increasing structural complexity, ensures reliability by preventing contact between sheets and the exterior surface, thus preventing staining.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable supporter acts as an intermediary between the exterior environment and the sheet handling function. By separating the two functions into different surfaces of the same supporter, it mediates between aesthetic requirements and staining prevention requirements, achieving both goals simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying device, including: a conveyor; a first supporter configured such that, when located at its closed position, a first surface thereof partially forms an exterior surface of the device and such that, when located at its open position, a second surface thereof supports the sheet to be supplied to the conveyor; a second supporter configured such that, when located at its closed position, a first surface thereof partially forms the exterior surface of the device and such that, when located at its open position, a second surface thereof supports the sheet output from the conveyor; and a link configured such that, when the first supporter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the link transmits a force from the first supporter to the second supporter and thereby moves the second supporter from the closed position to the open position in conjunction with the first supporter.