Actuator-Extended Door Locking Assembly for Gaming Machine Button Deck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) have button decks with mechanical pushbuttons that are difficult to service due to internal manual releases and complex disassembly requirements, making it challenging for operators to access and replace pushbuttons efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A door locking assembly is integrated into the button deck, featuring a latch and actuator system that allows for secure and accessible locking and unlocking of the access door, enabling operators to service pushbuttons without disassembling the entire deck, with the actuator accessible from a spaced position, facilitating easy removal and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual releases are positioned internally near the pushbutton, then the locking mechanism is secure, but the releases become difficult for operators to access
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is extended through the button deck housing from the latch mechanism, moving the access point from an internal three-dimensional space near the pushbutton to an external surface location. This dimensional transition allows operators to access the release mechanism from the exterior of the button deck, eliminating the need to disassemble internal components while maintaining the secure locking function.
2Reliability
If pushbuttons are fastened in an interior cavity requiring disassembly of significant portions of the button deck, then the locking is secure, but the servicing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is extracted from the internal cavity and extended through the housing to an accessible external position. This allows the release function to be performed from the exterior without requiring disassembly of the button deck housing or access to the internal cavity, significantly reducing servicing time while maintaining secure pushbutton mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended actuator serves as an intermediary element that transmits the release force from the external access point to the internal latch mechanism. This intermediary structure enables operators to control the locking mechanism from outside the button deck without directly accessing the internal cavity or pushbutton mounting area.
3Ease of operation
If multiple access points are provided for servicing, then accessibility is improved, but security and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single extended actuator serves multiple functions: it provides the release mechanism for the latch, acts as an access point for operators, and maintains the locking security. This universal element eliminates the need for multiple separate access points or release mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while improving accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming device includes a cabinet having a display for presenting a game to a player and a button deck configured to receive a player input for the game. The button deck includes a housing defining an internal cavity and an access door coupled to the housing. The access door is configured to move relative to the housing between open and closed positions. The housing defines an opening providing access to the internal cavity when the access door is opened. The electronic gaming device further includes a latch coupled to the housing that engages and locks the access door in the closed position. An actuator is coupled to the latch for controlling the latch to release the access door. The actuator extends within the internal cavity from the latch and is accessible at a position of the button deck that is spaced from the access door.