Vertically Translating Currency Acceptor for Gaming Machine Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wager-based gaming machines face challenges in accessing and maintaining the currency accepting device due to its placement, making it difficult to remove a full currency container and perform maintenance, especially in newer gaming machine designs with limited space and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A vertically translating currency accepting device mounted to a cabinet, allowing movement between two vertical positions, with a biasing mechanism to aid in upward movement and a locking element for retention, and adjustable in the 'z'-direction for proper alignment, enabling easier access and service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the currency accepting device is located with the acceptor slot accessible at the exterior of the gaming machine, then player accessibility is improved, but maintenance and service access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The currency accepting device is made movable between a first position (lowered) during normal operation and a second position (raised) during maintenance, allowing the same device to satisfy both player accessibility and maintenance access requirements at different times
2Ease of operation
If the currency accepting device is positioned for player convenience, then player access is improved, but the device becomes difficult to access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The device position is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to be easily repositioned between operational and maintenance modes without complex reconfiguration
3Ease of operation
If the acceptor slot is located at the exterior for visibility and access, then player interaction is improved, but internal components become difficult to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The entire currency accepting device moves as a unit to expose internal components during maintenance, allowing exterior accessibility to be maintained during operation while enabling interior access during service
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine includes a vertically translating currency acceptor. The currency acceptor may be moved from a first, lowered position to a second, raised position along a substantially vertical path. The lowered position may comprise a use position where an acceptor slot of the currency acceptor is positioned for player input of currency but service access to the currency acceptor is limited. The raised position may comprise a service position where the acceptor is readily accessible for service.