Cable-Actuated Door Latch for Secure EGM Cabinet Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) face challenges in securely and efficiently managing access to internal components due to complex cabinet structures with multiple access points, necessitating improved door latch systems that ensure secure closure and ease of maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A door latch system featuring a cam, trigger, actuator, and elastic member, along with an optical sensor, to control the door's closure and opening, utilizing a cable mechanism and lock mechanism for secure engagement and disengagement, ensuring reliable access management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex cabinet structure with multiple access points is used in EGMs, then access to internal components is enabled, but security and access management become difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to internal componentsVSAvoidsecurity and access management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The door latch system is divided into distinct functional segments: the cam mechanism for engagement, the trigger for actuation, the cable for force transmission, and the optical sensor for detection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while collectively providing secure access management across multiple cabinet access points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensor acts as an intermediary between the mechanical latch components and the control system. It detects the position of the flag on the cam and converts mechanical position into optical signals, enabling reliable monitoring and control of the latch state without direct mechanical connection to the moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If traditional latch mechanisms are used, then simple structure is maintained, but secure closure and ease of maintenance cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch mechanism structureVSAvoidsecure closure and ease of maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member automatically returns the actuator to its initial position after the door is closed, and the optical sensor automatically detects and reports the latch state. This self-service functionality ensures reliable operation without requiring manual intervention for resetting or monitoring, enhancing both security and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensor replaces traditional mechanical position indicators or switches. By using optical detection of the flag position instead of mechanical contact, the system achieves more reliable state detection with fewer wear points, improving both security and maintainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If manual door closure management is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but regulatory compliance and operational security are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor closure managementVSAvoidregulatory compliance and operational security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor provides real-time feedback on the latch state by detecting the flag position on the cam. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system can verify proper door closure and latch engagement, enabling regulatory compliance monitoring while maintaining simple manual operation for authorized personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system provides secure and efficient access to EGM components while maintaining regulatory compliance, enhancing operational security and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member contacting the actuator... The elastic member may be configured to exert a force on the actuator and move the actuator from the second actuator position to the first actuator position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an optical sensor positioned inside the housing and configured to detect the position of the flag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20260030953A1Door latch system

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 ARISTOCRAT TECH AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

AI summary

Various features of a door latch system are provided which may be used with electronic gaming machines (EGMs). Some door latch systems have a door latch having, a housing, a cam inside the housing, rotatably connected to the housing, and configured to be in a closed position and an open position, and a trigger inside the housing, rotatably connected to the housing, and configured to be in a first trigger position and a second trigger position, an actuator configured to slide along an axis between a first actuator position and a second actuator position, a cable connected to the trigger and the actuator, and an elastic member contacting the actuator. The actuator is configured to push the cable when moving from the second actuator position to the first actuator position and thereby cause the cable to move the trigger from the second trigger position to the first trigger position.