Integrated Card Shuffling and Dealing Layout for Compact Poker Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing poker machines lack an integrated solution for both card-shuffling and card-dealing functions, with separate components leading to a larger volume and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A card shuffling-and-dealing integrated machine that combines card-shuffling and card-dealing mechanisms within a single compact unit, utilizing a card-holding plate, card-shuffling channel, card-delivering mechanism, and card-dealing mechanism to stagger and deliver cards efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate card-shuffling and card-dealing parts are used, then each function can be performed independently, but the overall volume of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the card-shuffling mechanism and card-dealing mechanism into a single integrated machine. The shuffling mechanism includes a shuffling tray and shuffling roller, while the dealing mechanism includes a dealing tray and dealing roller, all housed within one compact structure. This merging of previously separate functions into a unified system directly reduces the overall machine volume while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated machine performs multiple functions (shuffling and dealing) within a single device. The common housing, card compartment, and coordinated mechanism design allow the machine to universally handle both card-shuffling and card-dealing operations, eliminating the need for separate machines and thereby reducing the space required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate shuffling and dealing mechanisms are used, then each mechanism can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shuffling and dealing mechanisms into a single coordinated system. Both mechanisms share common components such as the housing, card compartment, and control system, which reduces the overall complexity compared to having fully separate systems. The mechanisms are designed to work together seamlessly, with the shuffling mechanism preparing cards and the dealing mechanism distributing them through a unified structural framework.
3Volume of stationary object
If an integrated design is used, then the machine size is reduced, but the complexity of coordinating multiple functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated machine is segmented into distinct functional modules: a shuffling mechanism section with shuffling tray and roller, a dealing mechanism section with dealing tray and roller, and a common control system. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining a compact overall structure, reducing coordination complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary card compartment and common control system that mediates between the shuffling and dealing mechanisms. This intermediary structure facilitates smooth coordination between the two functions, managing the complexity of integration by providing a centralized interface for card transfer and control.
4Extent of automation
If automatic card-dealing machines are used, then card dealing can be automated, but card shuffling must be done manually or requires separate equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal machine that performs both automatic card dealing and automatic card shuffling functions. The dealing mechanism includes automated rollers and trays for card distribution, while the shuffling mechanism includes shuffling rollers and trays for card mixing. This multi-functional design allows a single device to provide both automation functions, eliminating the need for separate shuffling equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A card shuffling-and-dealing integrated machine includes a housing having a card compartment, a card access port, a card-delivering port and a card dealing port; at least two card-holding plates provided on the housing, located on an upper peripheral side of the card compartment and having a card-shuffling channel; a card-shuffling mechanism provided at an entrance of the card-holding plate adjacent to the card-shuffling channel, and configured to stagger playing cards on the card-holding plates into the card compartment through the card-shuffling channel; a card-delivering mechanism provided at a bottom of the card compartment, and configured to deliver playing cards in the card compartment to the card-delivering port; and a card-dealing mechanism provided at a bottom of the card compartment and located between the card-delivering mechanism and the card-delivering port, and configured to deal playing cards located at the card-delivering port from the card-dealing port.