Single Motor Document Feeder with Bidirectional Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document feeders in image reading apparatuses require multiple motors and complex mechanisms for double-side reading, leading to increased complexity and cost, while also being less efficient in single-side reading modes.
Innovation Solution
A feeder system with a single motor that can drive all rollers, including bidirectional feed rollers, using a power transmission mechanism that allows for independent operation of the feed system and bidirectional drive, enabling both single-side and double-side reading modes with reduced complexity and increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple motors are provided for driving feed rollers and sheet ejection rollers independently, then reliable document feeding and bidirectional control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple motors into a single motor that drives both feed rollers and sheet ejection rollers through a shared power transmission mechanism. The motor shaft connects to both the feed roller and sheet ejection roller via transmission components (gears, belts, or direct connection), allowing one motor to control multiple functions that previously required separate motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed with universal functionality to drive different components (feed rollers and sheet ejection rollers) through variable power transmission paths. The motor can switch between driving feed rollers in forward direction, sheet ejection rollers in reverse direction, or both simultaneously, making it a multi-functional drive unit that replaces multiple dedicated motors.
2Ease of operation
If separate motors are provided for feed rollers and sheet ejection rollers, then independent speed control is achieved, but operational efficiency in single-side reading mode decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where the single motor can variably distribute power to different components based on operational mode. In single-side reading mode, the motor can focus power transmission to feed rollers only, optimizing speed and efficiency for that specific function. The power transmission mechanism can be dynamically adjusted (via clutches, brakes, or variable gear ratios) to match the current operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission system is segmented into independent pathways that can be activated or deactivated based on operational mode. The motor shaft connects to multiple transmission paths (one to feed rollers, another to sheet ejection rollers), allowing selective engagement of specific pathways. This segmentation enables the system to optimize performance for single-side reading by activating only the necessary transmission path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sheet ejection rollers rotate in reverse direction to feed document back along switchback path, then double-side reading capability is achieved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bidirectional drive function into a single motor system that can rotate in either forward or reverse direction as needed. Instead of using separate motors for feed rollers and sheet ejection rollers with independent direction control, one motor provides unified control where the same motor shaft can drive feed rollers forward or sheet ejection rollers backward through the power transmission mechanism, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed with universal capability to perform multiple functions: driving feed rollers in forward direction, rotating sheet ejection rollers in reverse direction, and potentially both simultaneously. This multi-functional motor replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized motors, achieving bidirectional control and double-side reading capability through a single universal drive unit.
Data Source
AI summary
Feeding systems for documents or other sheet materials include: (a) an inlet; (b) an outlet; (c) a feed path extending between the inlet and outlet; and (d) a feed system that moves materials along the feed path. The systems further may include: (e) a bidirectional feed path extending from the feed path; (f) a supply system that moves materials to the feed path; (g) a bidirectional drive system that moves materials along the bidirectional feed path; and/or (h) a bidirectional feed path access control system. Drive systems may be provided for driving the feed system and at least one of the supply system, the bidirectional drive system, and/or the access control system such that operation of the feed system is independent of operation of the other systems and/or such that a single motor may be used to drive any or all of the systems.