Discard Rack Card Loader With Gripper Ledges for Shuffler Downtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic multi-deck card shuffling machines experience downtime due to the inefficient loading of cards from the discard rack, which involves manual handling and placement into the machine.
Innovation Solution
A discard rack designed as a card loader with gripper members and a card-stack rear support that securely holds a stack of cards, allowing for efficient transfer to an automatic card shuffling machine, featuring removable attachment to a base and magnetic release mechanism for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and placement of cards into the shuffling machine is used, then the structure remains simple, but loading time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The card loader is designed to automatically grip and transfer card stacks from the discard rack to the shuffling machine without requiring manual handling. The gripper members self-actuate to secure and move the cards, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the card transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The card loader serves as an intermediary device between the discard rack and the shuffling machine. It features a card-holding space with gripper members that interface with both the discard rack (receiving card stacks) and the shuffling machine (delivering cards), thereby mediating the card transfer process and eliminating direct manual handling.
2Loss of time
If a dedicated card loader is integrated with the discard rack, then card loading efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The card loader is merged with the discard rack to form an integrated assembly. The loader's card-holding space, gripper members, and support structures are combined with the rack's top member and frame, creating a unified device that eliminates separate components and reduces overall system complexity while improving card loading efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The discard rack is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a storage rack for discarded card stacks and as an integrated card loader. The top member and gripper members perform dual functions of supporting cards during storage and actively gripping/transfering cards during loading, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated loading equipment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If gripper members with ledges are used to support card stacks, then card holding stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper members are segmented into distinct functional zones: the ledge portion for supporting the card stack and the gripping portion for securing cards. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular design elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper members feature local quality variations with ledges positioned at specific locations to provide stable card support. The ledge structure concentrates support functionality at precise points where card stacks require stability, while other portions of the gripper members maintain simpler geometries for ease of manufacture.
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
Facilitates rapid and efficient loading of cards into the shuffling machine, reducing downtime and enhancing gameplay efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An easy to use release using magnets allows the discard rack to be removed from the base.
Data Source
AI summary
A card loader and discard rack is disclosed. The card loader and discard rack includes a top member with a handle, a bottom member, a central receptacle having a rear wall and two side walls, a pair of spaced gripper members attached to, and extending from, the top member to removably attach to the bottom member, the pair of spaced gripper members able to separate and contract, the pair of spaced gripper members each having a ledge near a bottom thereof for supporting a stack of cards, and the pair of spaced gripper members defining a card-holding space. A card-stack rear support may be attached to, and extend from the top member such that the pair of spaced gripper members and card-stack rear support define a card-holding space.