Variable-Speed Rotary Brush for Image Reading Glass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet-through type image reading apparatuses face challenges in achieving both high image reading efficiency and effective cleaning of the reading glass, as frequent cleaning shortens the cleaning time and is incompatible with varying image reading modes.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a document feeder, an image reader, a transparent member, and an elastic cleaner controlled by a controller to operate in various modes, adjusting cleaning frequency, rotation speed, and feeding intervals based on selected image reading modes to optimize both reading efficiency and cleaning effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning operation is performed frequently to remove foreign matters from the reading glass, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the image reading efficiency deteriorates due to reduced intervals for document feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner's rotation speed is made variable rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the rotation speed dynamically based on the selected image reading mode (high-resolution or low-resolution), enabling the system to optimize both cleaning effectiveness and reading efficiency by matching cleaning intensity to actual needs
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning parameters (rotation speed, number of rotations) are changed according to different operating conditions. In high-resolution mode, higher rotation speed and more rotations are applied for thorough cleaning, while in low-resolution mode, reduced parameters maintain reading efficiency
2Productivity
If the interval between documents is minimized to improve image reading efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but the cleaning time available becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning operation is integrated into the document feeding process rather than being performed separately. The cleaner operates continuously during document transport, utilizing the existing time intervals between documents without requiring additional stopping time, thus maintaining both productivity and cleaning effectiveness
3Reliability
If the cleaner rotates at high speed to improve cleaning effectiveness, then the cleaning quality is improved, but the image reading efficiency deteriorates due to increased cleaning time
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner's rotation speed is dynamically adjusted based on operational mode. The system transitions from fixed-speed cleaning to variable-speed cleaning, where the controller modulates rotation speed to match the actual cleaning requirements of different image reading modes, resolving the contradiction between cleaning quality and reading efficiency
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
The apparatus achieves improved cleaning effectiveness in high-resolution modes without compromising low-resolution reading efficiency by controlling cleaning operations, ensuring the reading glass remains clean and reducing noise, thus enhancing overall image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaner for performing a cleaning operation by sweeping a surface of the transparent member on which the document passes, the cleaner having elasticity
Implementation Method 2
a cleaner for performing a cleaning operation by sweeping a surface of the transparent member
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus that feeds a document over a reading glass and optically reads an image of the document at a reading position. A rotary brush type cleaner is located above the reading glass to face the reading position. The cleaner cleans the reading glass while rotating downstream in a document feeding direction. In accordance with a selected reading mode, the frequency of cleaning operations performed by the cleaner, and the rotation speed and the number of rotations of the cleaner are changed.