Claw Machine Object Placement Using Sensor Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional claw machines require manual adjustment of object placement to attract players, which is impractical due to time and traffic constraints, and existing monitoring systems are inadequate for timely adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A claw machine with an automatic object placement function, equipped with a sensing unit and control unit that detects empty chance areas and moves objects to these areas using a moving mechanism and claw mechanism, allowing for automated object rearrangement based on sensor feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of object placement is performed to attract players, then player attraction is improved, but owner time and labor are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer attractionVSAvoidowner time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The claw machine automatically monitors and adjusts object placement itself without requiring owner intervention. The sensing unit detects when chance areas are empty and the control unit automatically moves objects to maintain player attraction, making the system self-servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing unit continuously monitors the placement status of objects and provides feedback to the control unit. When objects are not in optimal positions, the system receives feedback and automatically corrects the placement, creating a closed-loop control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of object placement is performed to attract players, then player attraction is improved, but owner mobility is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer attractionVSAvoidowner mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of object placement, eliminating the need for the owner to physically visit and manually adjust objects in the machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated electromechanical system comprising sensing units, control units, and moving mechanisms that automatically reposition objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If camera monitoring is installed to detect object placement, then monitoring capability is improved, but timely adjustment is still not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidadjustment timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing unit provides real-time feedback to the control unit about object placement status. When objects are not in optimal positions, the system immediately receives feedback and automatically corrects the placement without delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically responds to monitoring data by self-correcting object placement, eliminating the time lag between detection and adjustment that occurs with manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If frequent manual adjustment is performed to maintain object positions, then player attraction is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer attractionVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages object placement without requiring repeated manual interventions, simplifying the operational process despite the added automation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively detects and corrects suboptimal object placement before it affects player attraction, preventing the need for frequent reactive adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12475768B1Claw machine with automatic object placement function

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 PAOKAI ELECTRONIC ENTERPRISE CO LTD

AI summary

A claw machine includes a cabinet, an operating unit, a sensing unit and a control unit. The cabinet defines an inner space allowing an object to be placed therein, and has an output hole spatially communicating with the inner space. A chance area is defined nearby the output hole. The operating unit is disposed in the inner space, and includes a moving mechanism and a claw mechanism that is configured to grab the object. The sensing unit includes a first sensor that is configured to detect a status of the object, thereby generating reference information, and a second sensor that is configured to generate a notification in response to determining that the chance area is empty. The control unit is configured to, in response to receiving the notification, control the operating unit based on the reference information, so as to move the object to the chance area.