Gaming Machine Cabinet Panel Access Structure

Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming machine cabinets face challenges in providing access to their interior components for maintenance and service without compromising security or stability, especially when installed in tight spaces where the front surface is occupied by display devices, risking the machine's balance and stability if these devices are moved.

Innovation Solution

A gaming machine cabinet design featuring a combination of extension assemblies and slide assemblies that allow the display monitors and panel components to be moved from their operating positions to open positions without removing them from the cabinet, maintaining support and balance, thus enabling front access without relocating the machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If video display monitors and electronic devices are mounted on the front surface of the gaming machine cabinet, then the gaming machine can display game information and interface elements to players, but the front surface area available for access to interior components is reduced or eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront surface area for display devicesVSAvoidaccess to interior components

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet front opening is divided into multiple zones (crown area and base area), and access is provided through segmented panels (first panel for upper portion, second panel for lower portion) that can be independently opened. This segmentation allows display devices to occupy the front surface while maintaining access points through the divided opening structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Extension assemblies with movable arms are provided that can dynamically extend from the cabinet to support display monitors when panels are opened. These movable support structures allow the cabinet to transition between a closed operational state and an open maintenance state, maintaining stability throughout the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If display devices are moved from their operating positions to provide access to the interior volume, then maintenance access can be obtained, but the gaming machine risks tipping over and stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to interior componentsVSAvoidgaming machine stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Extension assemblies with movable arms are provided that can dynamically extend from the cabinet to support display monitors when panels are opened. These movable support structures allow the cabinet to transition between a closed operational state and an open maintenance state, maintaining stability throughout the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The extension assembly acts as an intermediary support structure between the cabinet and the display monitor during panel opening. The movable arm provides temporary support to the monitor, distributing weight and preventing the cabinet from tipping while allowing full access to the interior volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If gaming machines are arranged close together side-by-side on the casino floor, then space utilization is maximized, but access to the interior volume is restricted when machines remain in place

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilization on casino floorVSAvoidaccess to interior volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet front opening is divided into multiple zones (crown area and base area), and access is provided through segmented panels (first panel for upper portion, second panel for lower portion) that can be independently opened. This segmentation allows display devices to occupy the front surface while maintaining access points through the divided opening structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Access panels are hinged to open toward the rear of the cabinet rather than requiring lateral movement. This dimensional change in the opening direction allows maintenance personnel to access interior components from the front without requiring lateral clearance space, enabling access even when machines are tightly arranged on the casino floor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10825286B2Gaming machine cabinet with multiple panel access structure

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 EVERI GAMES INC

AI summary

A gaming machine includes a cabinet defining an upper cabinet volume and a cabinet front opening to the upper cabinet volume. A video monitor is mounted on the gaming machine cabinet so that in an operating position, the video monitor registers with and covers an upper portion of a base area of a cabinet front opening. A panel is also mounted on the gaming machine cabinet so that in a panel operating position, the panel component registers with and covers a lower portion of the base area, that is, a portion of the base area immediately below the portion covered by the video monitor in its operating position. Assemblies are included which allow the video monitor to be moved to an open position vacating the base area of the cabinet front opening and allow the panel to traverse the vacated area to an open position for the panel.