Chair Sled Latch Mechanism for Low-Profile Gaming Device Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chair locking mechanisms for gaming devices are cumbersome, costly, and interfere with floor space and maintenance, while also posing safety risks due to their mobility and complex attachment systems, which are not universally required by all gaming establishments.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release low-profile locking mechanism integrated into a chair sled that securely couples a gaming chair to a gaming device, featuring a latching unit with a spring mechanism and a latch cover, allowing for easy attachment and detachment with a tool, reducing the need for additional manufacturing costs and improving safety by minimizing footroom interference and preventing unauthorized detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical latch system is used to secure the chair to the gaming device, then the chair attachment is reliable and secure, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to additional parts and installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical latch system from the gaming device entirely and relocates it to the chair sled. The sled body includes a cavity with a latch mechanism that engages with a connector on the gaming device base, eliminating the need for latches in the device itself and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The chair sled acts as an intermediary component between the chair and the gaming device. It provides the attachment functionality through its integrated latch mechanism while maintaining a simple interface with the gaming device, thus resolving the contradiction between security and complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a raised portion is added to the connection point to facilitate latch pin or hook attachment, then the latch mechanism can be properly positioned, but it interferes with player foot room and is incompatible with low profile gaming devices
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of raising the connection point on the gaming device, the patent inverts the approach by placing the latch mechanism in the chair sled and having it engage with a connector on the gaming device base. This allows the latch to be positioned at an appropriate height without interfering with foot room or compatibility with low profile devices
3Reliability
If conventional mechanical latches are used to retain the chair, then the chair is securely attached, but the entire game must be taken out of service for repair if there is a mechanical problem with the latch system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment system by placing the latch mechanism in the removable chair sled rather than in the gaming device. This allows the sled to be easily removed and replaced if the latch mechanism fails, eliminating the need to take the entire game out of service for repair
4Object-affected harmful factors
If chairs are physically attached to gaming devices to prevent unauthorized removal, then player safety is improved, but the attachment system becomes cumbersome and difficult for casino personnel to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic attachment system where the latch mechanism can be easily engaged and disengaged by casino personnel using a tool through an opening in the sled body. This allows the chair to be securely attached to prevent unauthorized removal while remaining easily removable by authorized personnel for maintenance or reconfiguration
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 provides a cost-effective, safe, and efficient way to attach gaming chairs to devices, reducing manufacturing costs, enhancing player safety, and simplifying maintenance and reconfiguration processes without the need for universal latching systems, while maintaining compatibility with low-profile gaming devices.
Implementation Method 1
A latching unit is disposed in the cavity of the sled body along with a spring that is configured to hold the latching unit in a locked position
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in embodiments of the present invention is a chair sled locking mechanism for use with a gaming device. In one example embodiment, a chair sled includes a sled body having a chair attachment connector disposed at a first end of the sled body and a cavity disposed at a second end of the sled body. A latching unit is disposed in the cavity of the sled body along with a spring that is configured to hold the latching unit in a locked position. A latch cover covers the cavity of the sled body. At least one of the latch cover or sled body includes an opening that allows an operator to manipulate the latching unit to an unlocked position.