Arcade Turntable Motor Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum crane games face issues with uneven prize distribution causing the turntable to wobble, requiring frequent game shutdowns for replenishment and lacking interchangeable turntables that protect the motor from excessive loading, leading to potential wear and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A crane game with a plurality of interchangeable turntables supported by three wheels at the perimeter, allowing for quick replacement and even weight distribution, relieving the motor of weight-bearing responsibilities, enabling smooth bi-directional rotation and reducing stress on the motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the turntable is directly supported by the motor, then the structure is simple, but the motor is subjected to excessive loading and wear from uneven prize distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Three support wheels are introduced as intermediary elements between the turntable and the motor. These wheels carry the weight of the turntable and prizes, transferring the load to the frame rather than the motor. The motor only provides rotational torque without bearing the weight, eliminating excessive loading and wear while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If the turntable is fixed and prizes are replenished during shutdown, then prize distribution is controlled, but gameplay is frequently disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The turntable is designed as a removable and interchangeable component rather than a fixed structure. During gameplay, the motor continuously rotates the turntable, and when prizes need replenishment, the entire turntable can be quickly removed and replaced with a pre-loaded one during brief pauses, minimizing game shutdown time and maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple turntables can be pre-loaded with prizes in advance. When the current turntable's prizes are depleted, a pre-loaded turntable is already ready for immediate replacement, eliminating the need to shut down the game for prize preparation and reducing loss of gameplay time.
3Ease of operation
If the turntable rotates bi-directionally to access all positions, then the pick-up device can reach all targets, but the rotation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the pick-up device move laterally across the turntable, the solution inverts the approach by rotating the turntable itself in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. This brings all target positions under the stationary pick-up device, achieving full accessibility while keeping the pick-up device mechanism simple and stationary.
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
Enables quick and reliable turntable replacement without disrupting gameplay, maintaining motor longevity and allowing for varied prize arrangements based on player skill and value, enhancing operational efficiency and player experience.
Implementation Method 1
The pick-up device preferably uses a suction cup that, if positioned directly over the upper surface of the target, will make a seal with the upper surface and allow the target to be lifted from the playing field.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an arcade type vacuum crane game that includes a turntable with a target support structure such as cylindrical, open ended target holders to prevent targets from toppling before, during, and after playing the game. The turntable is rotated by a centrally disposed motor having a shaft that receives a projection on the turntable to rotate the turntable in the direction of the shaft. The shaft receives the peg therein, but does not carry the weight of the turntable, which instead is supported by three peripheral rotatable wheels disposed about the motor on a bracket. Because the turntable is simply mounted over the shaft using a fitted mating, the turntable can be lifted off the motor without tools and another turntable set on top of the shaft and wheels quickly and easily.