EGM Pushbutton Latching Assembly for Tool-Free Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) have pushbuttons that are difficult to remove and require significant disassembly of the button deck, with access to release mechanisms often being internal or near the buttons, making servicing cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A latching assembly for EGMs that includes a pivotable latch and a lever, allowing for easy detachment and attachment of pushbuttons without tools, with a sliding mechanism for improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pushbuttons are fastened in an interior cavity of the button deck, then the pushbuttons are securely retained, but significant portions of the button deck must be disassembled to remove the pushbuttons
Solution Approach 1:
The button deck is divided into modular components: a button deck assembly that can be separated from the main cabinet, and within that, pushbuttons that can be independently accessed through a service door. This segmentation allows the button deck to be removed as a unit without disassembling the entire cabinet structure, significantly easing servicing while maintaining secure retention through the latching assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A service door is introduced as an intermediary access point between the operator and the pushbuttons. This service door provides direct access to the pushbuttons without requiring disassembly of the button deck or cabinet, serving as a mediator that enables easy servicing while maintaining the secure fastening of pushbuttons in their interior cavity.
2Ease of operation
If manual releases are positioned near the pushbutton or internally of the button deck, then the pushbutton can be released, but the releases are difficult for operators to access
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is repositioned from the traditional internal or near-button location to an external location on the cabinet exterior. This dimensional relocation moves the release mechanism from an inaccessible interior space to an accessible exterior surface, allowing operators to easily access and operate the release without disassembling any components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching assembly is designed to be easily operated by the operator without requiring tools or specialized knowledge. The external release mechanism allows the operator to independently service the pushbuttons by simply accessing the external release, operating the latch, and removing the service door, making the system self-servicing.
3Productivity
If the button deck is designed for easy servicing, then maintenance time is reduced, but the structural complexity of the button deck increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button deck is segmented into a removable assembly that can be separated from the cabinet and a service door that can be independently accessed. This segmentation enables quick servicing by allowing the entire button deck assembly to be removed as one unit or by accessing pushbuttons through the service door, significantly reducing maintenance time despite the added structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The service door and external release mechanism are pre-configured during manufacturing to enable rapid servicing. The latching assembly is pre-designed with an external release mechanism that allows operators to quickly access and service pushbuttons without requiring complex disassembly procedures, thereby reducing maintenance time while keeping the structural addition minimal.
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 quick and tool-free servicing of pushbuttons, reducing maintenance complexity and time, and extending the lifespan of the button deck.
Implementation Method 1
The latch is configured to pivot relative to the pushbutton between a first position, in which the latch engages the pushbutton to secure the pushbutton to the housing, and a second position, in which the latch is disengaged from the pushbutton
Implementation Method 2
The lever is slidably coupled to the housing and configured to engage the latch, wherein movement of the lever relative to the housing pivots the latch between the first position and the second position
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming machine includes a cabinet, a main display coupled to the cabinet and configured to display a wagering game, and a button deck assembly slidably coupled to the cabinet. The button deck assembly includes a housing extending from a first end oriented to face the cabinet to an opposed second end, a pushbutton releasably coupled to the housing between the first end and the second end, a latch, and a lever. The latch is configured to pivot relative to the pushbutton between a first position, in which the latch engages the pushbutton to secure the pushbutton to the housing, and a second position, in which the latch is disengaged from the pushbutton. The lever is slidably coupled to the housing and configured to engage the latch, wherein movement of the lever relative to the housing pivots the latch between the first position and the second position.