Chip Sorting Device Segmented Ejection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chip sorting devices are inefficient, costly, and prone to wear, requiring improved designs that reduce production costs, enhance reliability, and minimize noise while maintaining compatibility with existing gaming tables.
Innovation Solution
A chip sorting device featuring a pre-separator wheel and sorting wheel with radially extending arms and ejection units, utilizing motors, cam shafts, and lever assemblies to gently and quietly sort and eject chips into separate trays, with a main controller for operation and chip identification, allowing for efficient and quiet chip sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional chip sorting devices are used, then chip sorting function is provided, but production cost is high and wear and tear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting wheel is divided into multiple sectors, each with chip wells for different chip types. The ejection assembly is segmented with multiple ejection fingers that can independently eject chips from different sectors. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and reduces overall system complexity and cost while maintaining reliability through distributed functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of traditional mechanisms that use complex mechanical linkages to move chips, this invention inverts the approach by using a rotating sorting wheel that passively presents chips to fixed ejection points. The ejection fingers remain stationary while the sorting wheel rotates to bring chips into position, simplifying the mechanical structure and reducing wear on moving parts.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If existing chip sorting devices are used, then chip sorting is performed, but noise is generated affecting casino ambience
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection fingers utilize controlled vibration to gently guide chips onto the collection rail without requiring forceful mechanical ejection. The vibration mechanism creates minimal noise compared to traditional spring-loaded or motor-driven ejection systems, while maintaining effective chip transfer. The vibrating surface naturally propels chips forward through friction and vibration-induced motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic pressure through the collection rail to propel ejected chips along the rail to their destination. This pneumatic transport system operates quietly compared to mechanical conveyors or motors, reducing noise pollution in the casino environment while maintaining high chip transfer speed and efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If chip sorting devices are designed for existing gaming tables, then compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases for retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed with universal features that can adapt to different gaming table configurations. The adjustable mounting brackets and modular support structure allow the same device to be installed on various table types without requiring custom fabrication, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad compatibility across casino equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Chip sorting devices and methods of ejecting chips from chip wells are disclosed. In some embodiments, chip sorting devices may include at least one chip ejection unit including at least one finger member selectively movable between a first position outside of at least one channel of a chip conveying unit and a second position within the at least one channel. In additional embodiments, a chip sorting device may include a separating wheel comprising a plurality of chip wells, each chip well configured to hold a plurality of chips. In yet additional embodiments, methods of ejecting a chip from a chip well may include urging a selected chip out of the chip well with the at least one finger member and at least one wall segment of a trailing segmented wall of the chip well.