Button Assembly Lens Cap and Flexible Cable Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing button panels in electronic gaming machines are inflexible and require customized wiring, leading to labor-intensive manufacturing and repair processes, with increased costs due to potential wiring mistakes and limited configurability, and they lack specialized features for identifying missing or malfunctioning buttons.
Innovation Solution
A flexibly configurable button panel system using a flexible cable with accessible circuit lines and modular button assemblies, including a power control system to extend the life of light-emitting elements and a button assembly design with a lens cap and gasket to protect against liquid damage, along with a dynamic display system to reduce processing burdens on the master gaming controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized wiring is used for each button panel configuration, then the button panel can be tailored to specific machine requirements, but the manufacturing process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The button panel system is divided into modular components: a reusable flexible cable with pre-established circuit lines, interchangeable button assemblies, and a standardized harness. This segmentation allows different button configurations without requiring custom wiring for each setup, reducing manufacturing labor while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable and harness are designed as universal components that can support multiple button configurations. The same cable assembly can be used across different machine types and button arrangements, eliminating the need for customized wiring and reducing both manufacturing complexity and errors.
2Reliability
If traditional button panels are used without specialized protective features, then the design is simpler, but the buttons are vulnerable to liquid damage and lack identification features for malfunctioning components
Solution Approach 1:
The lens cap and gasket are installed beforehand to prevent liquid damage before it can occur. The lens cap covers the light-emitting element, and the gasket creates a liquid barrier, providing proactive protection rather than reactive repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens cap can change color or display visual indicators to identify malfunctioning buttons or provide user feedback. This allows for easy identification of problematic components without adding complex electronic diagnostic systems.
3Illumination intensity
If light-emitting elements operate continuously at full power, then the button visibility is maximized, but the lifespan of the light-emitting elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting elements operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller activates the lights only when needed for button feedback, reducing cumulative operating time and extending element lifespan while maintaining adequate visibility during active use.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts the illumination parameters (intensity, duration, timing) of the light-emitting elements based on operational needs. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system maintains sufficient visibility while reducing overall energy consumption and extending component life.
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 streamlines manufacturing and repair by allowing for easy reconfiguration of button panels, extends the life of light-emitting elements, and protects against liquid damage, while reducing the processing burdens on the master gaming controller and improving the overall reliability and efficiency of button panel operations.
Implementation Method 1
a power storage device that stores a portion of the main power to generate stored power
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting element that emits light
Implementation Method 3
a lens cap that protects the light emitting device from being damaged
Implementation Method 4
a gasket to prevent a liquid from entering the button assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A button assembly is described. The button assembly includes a light emitting device that emits light. The button assembly further includes a lens cap that protects the light emitting device from being damaged. The lens cap has a top surface, a first cap side, a second cap side, a third cap side, and a fourth cap side. The second cap side connected to the first cap side, the third cap side connected to the second cap side, and the fourth cap side connected to the first cap side and the third cap side to form a plane. A first perpendicular distance between the plane and a first point on the top surface is different than a second perpendicular distance between the plane and a second point on the top surface. Additionally, a system for increasing life of a pixel is described.