Electric Relay Tracking Apparatus for Coin-Operated Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool tables lack efficient tracking mechanisms for game play and payment management, leading to lost revenue due to unauthorized free play and increased maintenance costs, and automated systems face challenges in tracking employee activities and power outages.
Innovation Solution
A tracking apparatus and method utilizing an electric relay, tracking device, and display assembly to count electrical pulses and manage operations in coin-operated machines, including pool tables and ATMs, ensuring accurate tracking and payment processing while minimizing power-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pool tables use manual door removal for free play, then free play access is enabled, but tracking of game play and payment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking system that includes a control board, display, and sensor array. This intermediary system mediates between the manual door operation and the payment tracking function, allowing free play to occur while automatically recording game play and payment information through sensors that detect ball movements and player interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The control board automatically detects when the side door is removed, tracks ball movements using the sensor array, records game play duration, and manages payment transactions independently, enabling the system to serve itself in monitoring and recording all free play activities.
2Productivity
If pool tables operate during extended free play periods, then customer accessibility is improved, but maintenance costs increase due to excessive use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the tracking system continuously monitors table usage patterns, game play duration, and player behavior. This data is fed back to operators through the display, enabling them to identify tables requiring maintenance and adjust free play schedules to prevent excessive wear, thereby reducing maintenance costs while maintaining customer accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary tracking and monitoring of table conditions before significant wear occurs. By continuously recording usage data and detecting early signs of excessive use, the system enables proactive maintenance scheduling, preventing costly repairs while allowing extended free play periods to benefit customers.
3Ease of operation
If conventional tables use bill verifiers with battery power, then payment processing is enabled, but power consumption creates operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the battery-powered bill verifier system with an alternative power delivery mechanism. The control board integrates payment processing functionality that can operate without continuous battery power, using the table's existing electrical infrastructure to power the display and tracking components, thereby eliminating the need for battery recharging while maintaining payment processing capabilities.
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
The solution enables precise tracking of game play and payment transactions, reducing unauthorized free play, lowering maintenance costs, and improving operational efficiency by accurately monitoring machine usage and employee activities.
Implementation Method 1
The electric relay is configured to transfer an electrical pulse from the operation assembly to the tracking device
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking apparatus for a machine having an operation assembly is disclosed. The tracking apparatus has an electric relay configured to be connected to the operation assembly, a tracking device that is connected to the electric relay, and a display assembly that is selectively connected to the electric relay. The display assembly is configured to transfer an electrical pulse from the display assembly to the tracking device via the electric relay. The operation assembly performs an operation when the electrical pulse is transferred to the tracking device. The operation includes activating one or more actuators to move the operation assembly that is a structural member.