Foldable Playing-Card Case With Hinged Segments and Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional playing-card cases and dealing machines are expensive, cumbersome, and difficult to transport and load, making them unsuitable for portable use in card games.
Innovation Solution
A foldable playing-card case with hinged connections and magnets that allows for a compact parallelogram shape, enabling easy loading, transportation, and dealing of cards through a slit, while maintaining the cards in a stacked orientation using an uneven surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional playing-card cases and dealing machines are used, then card dealing function is provided, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into multiple hinged portions (first portion with base and sidewalls, second portion with angled wall, third portion with base and sidewalls) that can fold relative to each other, transforming a bulky structure into a compact folded configuration for easy transport
Solution Approach 2:
The case employs hinged connections between portions that allow dynamic transformation between unfolded (functional) and folded (portable) states, enabling the device to adapt its volume based on operational needs versus transport requirements
2Productivity
If conventional dealing machines are used, then automated card dealing is achieved, but the device becomes expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The case incorporates an uneven surface that automatically maintains cards in a stacked orientation without requiring external mechanisms, and uses magnet pairs to self-align and connect portions during folding, eliminating the need for complex automated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical dealing machines with a simple foldable case structure that relies on basic mechanical principles (hinges, magnets, uneven surfaces) to achieve card dealing functionality, significantly reducing device complexity and cost
3Ease of operation
If bulky playing-card devices are used, then card dealing capability is provided, but loading and maneuvering become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into foldable portions connected by hinges, allowing the structure to collapse into a compact form for easy loading into pockets or bags, and expanding to a functional size when deployed for card dealing
Solution Approach 2:
The case utilizes three-dimensional folding motion through hinged connections, transforming the device from a flat extended configuration to a compact three-dimensional folded state, enabling easy portability without sacrificing functional volume
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 foldable design provides a pocket-sized, user-friendly solution for dealing and transporting playing cards, reducing the burden of handling bulky devices and allowing for efficient card distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The case has two pairs of magnets, a first pair of magnets on the opposing sidewalls of the first portion and a second pair of magnets on the opposing sidewalls of the third portion. The first pair of magnets aligns with and connects to the second pair of magnets when the base of the first portion and the base of the second portion are rotated toward the angled wall of the third portion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a foldable playing-card case suitable for dealing cards. The case includes three portions, each having a base and a pair of opposing sidewalls extending perpendicular from each base. The base of the first portion has a slit sized to deal cards therethrough. The second portion has an angled wall connected to the base. The angled wall of the second portion is hingedly connected to the base of the first portion. The base of the third portion is hingedly connected to the base of the second portion and the base of the third portion is also connected to an angled wall. The case has two pairs of magnets, a pair of magnets on the opposing sidewalls of the first portion and the third portion. The pairs of magnets connect when the base of the first portion is rotated toward the angled wall of the third portion.