Transparent Member Biasing Mechanism for Image Reading Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in attaching a transparent member to a housing securely and efficiently, as traditional methods like adhesive tapes increase manufacturing costs and require complex operations, while alternative methods using biasing units limit the fixing force due to the need for counter-insertion and specific biasing force settings.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus employs a positioning member that can be displaced to determine the attachment position of the transparent member on the housing, and an engagement member that biases the transparent member when the second housing is assembled, allowing for easy attachment and sufficient fixing force without requiring pre-positioning or high initial biasing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive tape is used to attach the glass plate to the case, then the glass plate can be firmly attached, but the operation becomes troublesome and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the adhesive tape from the attachment system and replaces it with a mechanical engagement mechanism. The glass plate is attached to the case through direct mechanical engagement with engagement protrusions and grooves, eliminating the need for adhesive tape and its associated troublesome operations while maintaining firm attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces engagement protrusions and grooves as intermediary mechanical elements between the glass plate and the case. These intermediaries provide a firm mechanical connection that replaces the adhesive tape, achieving both strong attachment and ease of operation through simple engagement and disengagement actions.
2Strength
If adhesive tape is used to attach the glass plate, then the glass plate can be firmly fixed, but replacement becomes difficult and total manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the adhesive tape that causes replacement difficulties and substitutes it with a mechanical engagement system. The glass plate can be easily removed from the case by simply disengaging the engagement protrusions from the grooves, enabling quick replacement without the need to peel adhesive tape or replace the entire case.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the attachment system into separable mechanical components (engagement protrusions and grooves) that allow the glass plate to be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation enables easy maintenance and repair by allowing the glass plate to be exchanged without affecting other components or requiring complete case replacement.
3Ease of operation
If the glass plate is inserted against the biasing force to engage with the supporting portion, then the glass plate can be attached, but the biasing force becomes insufficient for practical use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional biasing mechanism by using engagement protrusions that actively push the glass plate into its engaged position rather than requiring the glass plate to be forced against a biasing spring. The engagement protrusions provide the necessary force to overcome any resistance and secure the glass plate firmly in place, achieving both easy insertion and sufficient fixing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple engagement protrusions distributed around the glass plate perimeter to provide cumulative fixing force. Each protrusion contributes to the overall attachment strength, and their combined effect achieves the necessary biasing force for practical use while maintaining simple insertion operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables easy attachment and stable positioning of the transparent member with a sufficient fixing force, reducing manufacturing costs and operational complexity while allowing for a larger biasing force to be applied during assembly, ensuring reliable image reading.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning member which is capable of being displaced in a direction along the placement face of the transparent member and determines an attachment position of the transparent member to the first housing when the transparent member is attached by biasing the transparent member while being displaced
Implementation Method 2
an engagement member which displaces the positioning member while engaging with the positioning member when the second housing is assembled on the first housing and biases the transparent member in the direction along the placement face
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus which reads an image on a target includes a first housing, a transparent member which is provided on the first housing and has a placement face on which the target is placed, a positioning member on which the transparent member is placed, a second housing which is assembled on the first housing and biases the positioning member, and an engagement member which is provided on the second housing and engages with the positioning member. In the image reading apparatus, when the second housing is assembled on the first housing, the engagement member biases the positioning member so as to fix the transparent member to an attachment position.