Gaming Device Access Panel Safety Bar Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machine access panel assemblies pose safety hazards due to heavy display devices and exposed edges, which can cause injuries during mounting or servicing, especially when fingers or hands interfere with the motion of the devices.
Innovation Solution
An improved access panel assembly design featuring a movable safety bar component that automatically moves to an open position when contacted, preventing pinching and injury, and a self-latching mechanism for secure closure, eliminating exposed fasteners and minimizing vertical spacing for aesthetic considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If access panel assembly is used for servicing display devices, then ease of operation is improved, but safety hazards increase due to heavy devices and exposed edges
Solution Approach 1:
The safety bar is positioned to preemptively contact and redirect heavy display devices before they can contact exposed edges of the access panel assembly. This preliminary protective action prevents pinching injuries by creating a safety barrier that activates before the harmful contact can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety bar functions as an intermediary element between the heavy display devices and the access panel assembly edges. When the display device contacts the safety bar, this intermediate structure absorbs and redirects the force, preventing direct contact between the display device and the potentially harmful exposed edges.
2Ease of manufacture
If access panel assembly includes exposed fasteners for security, then ease of manufacture is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners are extracted from visible locations and concealed within recesses of the access panel assembly. This allows the fastening function to be maintained while the aesthetic appearance is improved by removing exposed fasteners from the visible surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The fasteners are nested within recesses or cavities in the access panel assembly structure. This nesting approach allows the fastening mechanism to be hidden within the panel itself, maintaining both the structural integrity and the aesthetic appearance without exposed hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects described or referenced herein are directed to improved access panel assembly safety mechanisms which may be incorporated into various gaming machine designs in order to help mitigate or facilitate reductions in safety hazards associated with such gaming machines and/or components thereof.