Card Input Device Filtering Mechanism for Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card input devices in shuffling machines often experience card jamming issues due to the gap design, leading to increased power consumption and complexity, which can result in malfunctioning machines.
Innovation Solution
A card input device with a filtering mechanism and sensor system that ensures only one card passes through at a time, using a gear assembly and roller system to manage card flow and prevent jams, while reducing the number of motors for lower power consumption and a simpler structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a gap is provided between rollers to allow card passage, then card flow is enabled, but card jamming occurs in the gap
Solution Approach 1:
A card guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the rollers and the receiving panel. This guide member extends into the gap region and provides a smooth transition surface that directs cards through the gap without allowing them to catch or jam on the roller edges or frame structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing cards to pass through a raw, potentially jam-prone gap, the invention inverts the approach by actively guiding cards through a controlled path using the card guide member. The guide member essentially reverses the passive gap concept into an active guidance system that prevents jamming while maintaining throughput.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used to drive shuffling mechanisms, then shuffling function is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The card input device is merged with the shuffling device such that the card receiving panel and initial card handling functions are integrated into the shuffling mechanism itself. This eliminates the need for separate motors dedicated solely to card input, as the shuffling motor(s) can perform both shuffling and card input functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shuffling mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it can both shuffle cards and receive/input cards. By making the shuffling device universal, the patent eliminates redundant motors and reduces overall power consumption while maintaining full shuffling capability.
3Reliability
If complex structure is used to prevent card jamming, then card flow control is improved, but machine malfunction risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The card guide member is extracted as a simple, separate component that can be easily manufactured and installed. Rather than designing a complex integrated mechanism, the invention extracts the card guidance function into a simple elongated member that extends into the gap, significantly reducing overall structural complexity while improving card flow control.
4Manufacturing precision
If gap position is fixed for card passage, then card alignment is achieved, but jammed card withdrawal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The card guide member serves as a mediator that maintains precise card alignment through the gap while also providing a smooth surface that prevents cards from catching. When cards do jam, the guide member's geometry and position allow for easier withdrawal compared to direct contact with fixed roller edges or frame structures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A card input device (100) of a shuffling machine (1) comprises a body (20) which comprises a pair of side walls (201,201), a receiving plate (203) detachably mounted between the pair of side walls, a first roller assembly (22) rotatably mounted between the pair of side walls of the body, the first roller assembly comprises at least a first set of rollers (221) exposed by a hole (203a) formed in the receiving plate of the body, and a filtering mechanism (23) detachably mounted between the pair of side walls of the body and arranged over the first set of rollers.