Floating Tabletop Display Layout for Spill-Safe Gaming Monitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tabletop/bartop gaming machines have fixed-space, rigid housings that limit display size and interaction element placement, restricting variability and flexibility in design, and can be prone to damage from spills and debris due to fixed input/output aperture locations.
Innovation Solution
A floating tabletop display system where a monitor is angled and spaced above a horizontal surface by a column, allowing for flexible placement of input/output mechanisms and lighting devices, and incorporating a drain system to prevent damage from liquids, with adjustable lighting and player interaction elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed-space rigid housing is used to contain the display and interaction elements, then the structural stability and protection are improved, but the display size and interaction element placement flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a main body portion and a separate display portion that can be independently positioned and angled. This segmentation allows the display to be optimally sized and oriented without being constrained by the housing structure, while the housing maintains its protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is positioned in three-dimensional space above the housing rather than being flat-mounted within it. The display can be angled at various orientations relative to the housing top surface, adding spatial flexibility while the housing remains stable on the table.
2Strength
If the display is contained within a fixed-space housing, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the horizontal area available for player interaction elements and food/drinks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the display from the housing structure, the space above the housing top surface is freed up. This allows players to use the entire horizontal surface for interaction elements, food, and drinks without the display occupying that space.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is moved from a two-dimensional plane within the housing to a three-dimensional position above the housing. This vertical positioning maximizes the horizontal surface area available for other purposes while the display maintains its visibility and functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If input/output mechanisms are placed at fixed locations in the housing, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing top surface serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a base for the display column, and offers a versatile platform for various input/output mechanisms and accessories. This universal surface can accommodate different configurations without requiring housing modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning of input/output mechanisms is made flexible rather than fixed. Mechanisms can be placed at various locations on the housing top surface or on the display support structure, allowing the system to adapt to different game configurations and player needs.
4Volume of moving object
If the display is positioned close to the tabletop surface, then the compactness is improved, but the display size and viewing angle are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The display is positioned vertically above the tabletop surface rather than being horizontally constrained within it. This vertical arrangement allows larger display sizes while maintaining a compact footprint on the table surface. The display can be angled to optimize viewing without increasing the horizontal space required.
Data Source
AI summary
A tabletop display is provided, having a tabletop surface and a monitor spaced from the tabletop surface and angled obliquely with respect to the tabletop surface. The monitor defines a front, display surface and an opposing back surface. The tabletop display also includes a column extending from the tabletop surface to the back surface of the monitor, an input mechanism comprising an input aperture spaced from the tabletop surface, and an output mechanism comprising an output aperture spaced from the tabletop surface.