Aperture-less Glass Button Assembly with Rotational Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing button decks in electronic gaming machines are prone to ingress risks due to apertures and openings, leading to interference, shutdowns, and structural failures, while also being inefficient in preventing liquid spills and enduring repeated use.

Innovation Solution

A gaming system with an input assembly on an aperture-less glass, featuring a unique rotational lock and infrared time of flight (IR TOF) sensors for detection, along with a design that includes a diffuser mount, a lens for projecting lights, and a gasket for sealing, making it spill-proof and field serviceable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If apertures and openings are provided in button decks for component access, then ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but ingress risk from liquids and debris increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidingress risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a gasket (part number 556) as a flexible sealing film that creates an ingress barrier between the button assembly and the aperture-less glass substrate. This gasket flexes to accommodate assembly variations while maintaining the seal, preventing liquids and debris from penetrating through what would otherwise be open apertures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the apertures entirely from the glass substrate, extracting the infiltration pathways that would allow harmful substances to enter. Instead of providing openings for component access, the design uses a rotational lock mechanism that secures to the solid, aperture-less glass surface, eliminating the ingress risk while maintaining serviceability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical buttons extend through display surfaces with apertures, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton accessibilityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the apertures from the display surface, eliminating the structural weak points that would be created by holes through the glass. The mechanical button assembly secures to the solid glass surface via a rotational lock mechanism, maintaining full structural strength while preserving button accessibility and operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The button assembly is segmented into separate components (button head, mechanical switch, rotational lock) that can be independently serviced. This segmentation allows the button to extend through the display for ease of operation while the locking mechanism attaches to the intact glass surface, preventing structural compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional button decks with apertures are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but serviceability and longevity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidserviceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The button assembly is designed as a segmented, modular unit with a rotational lock mechanism that allows individual components to be accessed and replaced. The gasketed seal creates distinct serviceable zones, enabling technicians to service the button assembly without compromising the aperture-less glass substrate, thereby improving longevity while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution effectively reduces ingress risks, prevents liquid spills, and enhances the longevity and reliability of the button deck by eliminating structural stress points and allowing for easy serviceability.

Implementation Method 1

The input assembly has a detection that utilizes infrared time of flight (IR TOF) sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

infrared time of flight (IR TOF) sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

a gasket for sealing the lens and a frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS20250104504A1Serviceable Surface Mount Button Assembly with Infrared Sensor Detection for Electronic Gaming Devices and Systems

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A gaming system having a field serviceable input assembly on an aperture-less glass. The input assembly includes a rotational lock mounted on the aperture-less glass, a displacement detection that utilizes infrared time of flight (IR-TOF) sensors. The input assembly includes mechanical components that are mounted on top of the aperture-less glass, and electronic components that are protected beneath the aperture-less glass. The rotational lock secures the top assembly on the aperture-less glass with flanges and fasteners.