Integrated Chip Rack and Hole Card Reader with Multi-Lock Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional blackjack hole card readers require separate installation in blackjack tables, increasing construction and retrofitting time, and chip rack covers often have single locking mechanisms that can be easily compromised for unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

Integration of blackjack hole card readers with chip racks, forming a single unit, and a modified locking assembly with multiple connections to enhance security, using a chip rack cover locking mechanism that includes two or more locking mechanisms with the chip rack or table.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hole card readers are installed separately in blackjack tables, then the reading function is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole card reading functionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hole card reader with the chip rack into a single integrated unit. The reader is positioned within the chip rack structure, allowing both chip storage and card reading functions to be performed by one component rather than requiring separate installation of reader and chip rack.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If a single locking mechanism is used on chip rack covers, then the structure is simple, but security against unauthorized access is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism simplicityVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different locking mechanisms at different locations on the chip rack cover. Specifically, it uses a first locking mechanism at a first location and a second locking mechanism at a second location, providing enhanced security through distributed locking points rather than a single centralized lock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple locking mechanisms are implemented on chip rack covers, then security is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidlocking assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the locking mechanisms to serve multiple functions. The same locking mechanism structure is used at both locations, allowing for standardized manufacturing and assembly. The locking mechanisms can also serve dual purposes of securing the cover and potentially indicating lock status through visual feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12029989B2Chip racks including a rack for holding chips and a card reader and related devices
Publication Date: 2024.07.09 LNW GAMING INC
  • US12029989B2 patent drawing
  • US12029989B2 patent drawing
  • US12029989B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Chip racks include a rack for holding chips and a card reader. Gaming devices may include such chip racks.