Dual-Slit Coin Insertion Device for Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin insertion devices in gaming machines face issues with coins jamming when inserted in rapid succession, leading to incorrect recognition and user fatigue due to repetitive wrist movements.
Innovation Solution
A coin insertion device with dual slits allowing coins to be inserted in vertical and horizontal directions, featuring curved conduits and a separator to guide coins sequentially and prevent jamming, enabling controlled insertion and reduced user fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single coin insertion slit is used, then the device structure is simple, but coins inserted in rapid succession can jam in the collecting channel
Solution Approach 1:
The single coin insertion slit is divided into multiple slits (first slit and second slit) arranged in different directions. This segmentation allows coins to be inserted through different paths, preventing them from jamming in the same collecting channel while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second slit arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first slit, adding a dimensional aspect to coin insertion. This multi-directional approach creates separate insertion paths that converge to the same collecting channel, allowing rapid coin insertion without jamming while keeping the device structure compact.
2Reliability
If multiple coin insertion slits are used, then coin jamming is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple coin insertion slits (first slit and second slit) are merged into a single coin collecting channel that leads to one coin box. This combining approach allows coins from different insertion directions to be collected and processed through a unified path, maintaining device simplicity while preventing jamming through multi-directional insertion options.
Solution Approach 2:
The single coin collecting channel serves multiple functions by receiving coins from different insertion slits oriented in different directions. This multi-functional design allows the same channel to handle coins inserted vertically, horizontally, or at various angles, reducing the need for separate collection paths for each slit.
3Productivity
If coins are inserted in rapid succession, then insertion speed increases, but coins may not be recognized correctly by the coin box
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion path is segmented into multiple independent slits that feed into the collecting channel. This segmentation allows coins to be inserted through different paths at slightly different times, creating temporal separation that helps the coin box recognize each coin individually even during rapid succession insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-slit design creates a periodic pattern of coin entry into the collecting channel, where coins from different slits enter at different intervals. This periodic action allows the coin box sufficient time to register each coin's presence and characteristics, maintaining recognition accuracy during high-speed insertion.
4Ease of operation
If the coin insertion slit lies in a horizontal plane, then coin insertion is easy, but repeated wrist movements cause forearm fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The coin insertion device is designed with multiple slits that accept coins from different directions (vertical, horizontal, and intermediate angles). This multi-functional design allows users to insert coins in various ways depending on their comfort level, reducing forearm fatigue while maintaining ease of operation for all insertion methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adapts to different insertion directions by providing multiple slits oriented in different planes. Users can switch between vertical insertion, horizontal insertion, or angled insertion based on their physical comfort, making the system adaptable to reducing repetitive strain while preserving operational simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A device for inserting coins 13 in a gaming machine 1 comprises a coin insertion block 14 which is fixed to an outer panel 9 of the gaming machine 1 and comprises a first slit 15 arranged for inserting a coin 2 in a first inserting direction D1. The coin insertion device further comprises a coin receiving block 16 provided with a coin receiving opening 17 which is inside the gaming machine 1 and is arranged for receiving the coin 2 inserted from the first slit 15 through the coin receiving opening 17. The coin insertion block 14 comprises a second slit 18 arranged for inserting a coin 2 in a second inserting direction D2, wherein the coin receiving block 16 is arranged for receiving through the coin receiving opening 17 also the coin 2 inserted from the second slit 18 so as to make a combined coin insertion that is able to receive coins both in the first inserting direction D1 and in the second inserting direction D2.