Claw Machine Grip Control Using Proximity-Based Lift and Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional claw machines struggle to balance gameplay and the chances of winning prizes, leading to player manipulation and owner countermeasures to ensure profit.

Innovation Solution

A control system for claw machines that includes a limiting member, a location sensor, an operation interface, and a processor. This system adjusts the claw's movement and grip strength based on user input and proximity signals, implementing various operation modes to manage gameplay and prize distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the claw mechanism uses strong grabbing strength to ensure owners profit, then the reliability of prize distribution is improved, but the ease of operation for players deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprize distribution controlVSAvoidplayer manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the grabbing strength parameter based on detected player manipulation patterns. When manipulation is detected, the processor adjusts the motor control parameters to modify cable tension and claw closing force, transforming the fixed-strong grabbing into a variable parameter that adapts to player behavior while maintaining owner profit goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by detecting player manipulation actions through sensors and using this information to adjust the claw mechanism's grabbing strength in real-time. The processor receives feedback from the location sensor and manipulation detection, then modifies the motor control signals to achieve balanced gameplay that maintains reliability while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the claw mechanism allows easy winning for players, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of owner profit deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer winning capabilityVSAvoidowner profit assurance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the grabbing strength parameter based on detected player manipulation patterns. When manipulation is detected, the processor adjusts the motor control parameters to modify cable tension and claw closing force, transforming the fixed-strong grabbing into a variable parameter that adapts to player behavior while maintaining owner profit goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by detecting player manipulation actions through sensors and using this information to adjust the claw mechanism's grabbing strength in real-time. The processor receives feedback from the location sensor and manipulation detection, then modifies the motor control signals to achieve balanced gameplay that maintains reliability while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the claw mechanism uses fixed grabbing strength, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different gameplay situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidgameplay balance adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the grabbing strength parameter based on detected player manipulation patterns. When manipulation is detected, the processor adjusts the motor control parameters to modify cable tension and claw closing force, transforming the fixed-strong grabbing into a variable parameter that adapts to player behavior while maintaining owner profit goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the static grabbing strength into a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted in real-time based on gameplay conditions. The processor continuously monitors player actions and modifies the motor control signals accordingly, enabling the claw mechanism to adapt its grabbing strength during operation without requiring complex mechanical adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 control system effectively balances gameplay and prize chances, reducing player manipulation and ensuring a fair and profitable experience for both players and owners by dynamically controlling the claw's movement and grip strength.

Implementation Method 1

a location sensor that is installed on the shell of the claw mechanism, and that is configured to generate a proximity signal when an object comes into proximity of the location sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a rotating motor that is connected to the cable reel to control the movement of the cable reel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a driving module that is configured to control the claw to close or open based on a control signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromechanical actuation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250182590A1Control system for controlling a claw machine, and claw machine assembly including the control system
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 PAOKAI ELECTRONIC ENTERPRISE CO LTD
  • US20250182590A1 patent drawing
  • US20250182590A1 patent drawing
  • US20250182590A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A control system for controlling a claw machine includes a limiting member that is inclined toward a claw of the claw machine, a location sensor, and a processor. In response to user-operation, the processor generates a dropping signal to drop the claw, and generates a closing electrical signal to control the claw to close. The processor generates a lifting signal to lift the claw. The location sensor generates a proximity signal when the claw is in proximity. In response to receipt of the proximity signal, the processor generates a signal to lift the claw for a predetermined lifting distance. After the signal is transmitted for a preset time, the processor generates an opening pulse signal to reduce a grip strength of the claw.