Single Torque Source for Flatbed and ADF Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Devices with both flatbed scanners and automatic document feeders are costly and complex due to separate motors for each scanning mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A scanning system that uses a single torque source for both flatbed and automatic document feeder scanning, with a drive selector mechanism to switch between scanning states, eliminating the need for dedicated motors in the automatic document feeder lid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate motors are provided for flatbed scanner and automatic document feeder, then scanning functionality is complete, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning functionalityVSAvoidmotor configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single torque source is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively driving either the flatbed scanner or the automatic document feeder through a drive selector mechanism, eliminating the need for separate motors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full scanning functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the motor functions of the flatbed scanner and automatic document feeder into a single integrated torque source, merging previously separate drive systems into one unified mechanism that can serve both scanning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate motors are provided for flatbed scanner and automatic document feeder, then scanning functionality is complete, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single torque source is engineered to provide universal driving capability for both scanning modes, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while preserving complete scanning functionality through intelligent power distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If dedicated motors are installed in automatic document feeder lid, then document feeding is reliable, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument feedingVSAvoidautomatic document feeder lid

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system for the automatic document feeder lid is merged with the flatbed scanner's torque source, eliminating redundant motors and reducing weight while maintaining reliable document feeding through shared mechanical power transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7948663B2Document transport

Publication Date: 2011.05.24 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A motor configured to selectively drive a carriage and document transport. A single imaging element is used to provide a dual function of detecting conveying sheet as it approaches platen and to perform imaging of the sheet.