Card Shuffler Adjustable Spacers for Multi-Size Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing card shuffling devices are often designed to accommodate only a single size of playing cards, posing challenges when handling cards of different sizes, such as standard and bridge-sized cards, due to the need for expensive multiple devices or time-consuming modifications.

Innovation Solution

A card shuffling apparatus with a modular design that includes adjustable spacers, allowing the device to accommodate multiple card sizes by modifying the card receiving and dispensing area dimensions, enabling quick and easy adaptation without requiring tools or disrupting operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a card shuffler is designed to accommodate only a single size of playing cards, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot handle cards of different sizes (standard and bridge-sized)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard size compatibilityVSAvoidshuffler structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The card shuffler incorporates adjustable spacers that can be moved along guide rails to different positions, dynamically changing the card receiving area dimensions to accommodate different card sizes. The spacers are releasably attachable at multiple positions, allowing the device to adapt its structure rather than being fixed for a single card size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shuffler is designed with a universal card receiving area that can handle multiple card sizes through the use of adjustable spacers. The same device structure serves multiple functions by accommodating both standard-sized cards and bridge-sized cards, eliminating the need for separate shufflers for different card types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If duplicate card shufflers are purchased for different sized cards, then card size compatibility is achieved, but the cost of acquiring and maintaining multiple devices becomes prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard size compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual modification of the shuffler is performed using fasteners, then the device can be adapted to different card sizes, but the modification process is time-consuming and requires taking the game table out of service

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard size compatibilityVSAvoidmodification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spacers are pre-configured with releasable attachment mechanisms that allow for quick installation and removal without requiring tools or complex assembly procedures. The guide rails and attachment points are pre-positioned during manufacturing, so no field modifications or fastener work is needed when adapting to different card sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual modification using fasteners is performed, then the shuffler can accommodate different card sizes, but fasteners may fall into the interior and interfere with operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard size compatibilityVSAvoidshuffler operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10493358B2Modified playing card shuffler and method of modifying a playing card shuffler to accommodate playing cards of different sizes

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 AGS LLC

AI summary

A card shuffler or other card handling apparatus defines a card receiving and/or dispensing area that accepts cards of multiple sizes. In one embodiment, structural elements such as sidewalls and an end-wall cause the card receiving/dispensing area to have a first size for accommodating cards of a first size. One or more spacers may be removably located in the card receiving/dispensing area, thus causing the card receiving/dispensing area to reduce the effective size of the receiving/dispensing area, such as to reduce its width, so as to accept or accommodate cards of a second size which is smaller than the first size.