Bartop Button Deck Lift Assembly for Reduced Service Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) require manual removal of the button deck for servicing, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when issues like spills occur, disrupting gameplay and maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bartop gaming device with a lift assembly that includes a lift frame, an arm pivotally connected to a track, and an actuator with a piston, allowing the button deck to be raised or lowered for servicing without removing it, providing access to the interior for cleaning or maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal of the button deck is required for servicing, then access to the interior can be obtained, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The button deck is made dynamically movable through a lift assembly with an actuator, allowing it to be raised and lowered on demand. This transforms the static button deck into a dynamic component that can be repositioned for servicing and returned to operational position, eliminating the need for complete removal while providing quick access to the interior.
Solution Approach 2:
A lift assembly with an actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the button deck and the housing. This intermediary device enables controlled movement of the button deck, providing a mechanical bridge that facilitates easy access to the interior without requiring manual disassembly or complete removal of the button deck.
2Ease of repair
If the button deck is removed for maintenance, then interior access is enabled, but gameplay is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The lift assembly enables dynamic repositioning of the button deck during operation. Operators can quickly raise the button deck for maintenance and lower it to resume gameplay, maintaining productivity by minimizing disruption time rather than requiring complete removal and reinstallation of the button deck.
Solution Approach 2:
The button deck can be preliminarily raised to a service position where maintenance can be performed without completely removing it. This preliminary positioning allows operators to access the interior for cleaning or maintenance while keeping the button deck connected and ready for quick return to operational position, thereby maintaining gameplay continuity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the button deck is fixed in position, then structural stability is maintained, but access to the interior becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The button deck transitions from a fixed static position to a dynamically movable position through the lift assembly. The actuator enables controlled movement between a lowered operational position (maintaining structural stability) and a raised service position (providing accessibility), allowing the system to adapt between these two states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift assembly serves multiple functions: it maintains structural stability when the button deck is in the lowered position, enables accessibility when raised for servicing, and provides a stable mounting structure through the lift frame. This multi-functional mechanism resolves the contradiction by incorporating both stability and accessibility capabilities in a single system.
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 efficient servicing of the gaming device by allowing operators to access the interior without disassembling the button deck, reducing downtime and enhancing maintenance convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator includes a piston coupled to the lift frame that is moveable relative to the track to move the button deck assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A bartop gaming device includes a housing base; a button deck assembly having one or more buttons for receiving player inputs during game play on the gaming device; and a lift assembly for raising or lowering the button deck assembly relative to the housing to service the button deck or an area of the gaming device covered by the button deck. The lift assembly includes a lift frame supporting the button deck assembly, an arm leg pivotally connected to the lift frame and extending to a track, and an actuator that includes a piston coupled to the lift frame.