Gaming Display Shock Prevention via Spring Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming machine displays are prone to damage due to shock loads caused by slamming the heavy gaming machine door, leading to downtime and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A shock prevention device that includes a door hingedly coupled to the cabinet, with a gaming machine display positioned between the cabinet and the door, and at least one spring or linear actuator to absorb and reduce the shock when the door is closed, allowing the display to move independently and reducing the impact on the display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the gaming machine door is slammed closed to overcome the latch mechanism, then the door can be securely closed, but the display suffers shock damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor closing operationVSAvoiddisplay reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the display away from the door and providing shock-absorbing elements (such as foam material or springs) at the display's location. When the door is slammed closed, these cushioning elements absorb the shock load before it reaches the display, preventing damage while allowing the door to be closed securely and easily.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the display is mounted to the door for easy access, then the display is easily accessible when the door opens, but the display is damaged by door slamming shock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay accessibilityVSAvoidshock load on display

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the display from the door structure. The display is positioned within the cabinet interior rather than being mounted to the moving door, creating independent components. This segmentation allows the door to move freely for easy access while the display remains stationary and protected from shock loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by positioning the display away from the door and introducing shock-absorbing elements (foam material, springs, or other dampening components) between the door closure action and the display. This intermediary cushioning layer absorbs the harmful shock forces while allowing the display to remain accessible within the cabinet interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of stationary object

If the display is positioned close to the door for space efficiency, then the cabinet interior is maximized, but the display is vulnerable to shock from door closure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabinet interior volumeVSAvoidshock impact on display

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing shock-absorbing elements (such as foam material or springs) at the display's location within the cabinet interior. This cushioning is positioned beforehand to intercept shock loads from door closure, allowing the display to be positioned efficiently within the cabinet while remaining protected from shock impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 effectively reduces shock to the display, extending its lifespan, minimizing maintenance, and reducing downtime by absorbing the impact of the door closure, thus enhancing the reliability and operational efficiency of gaming machines.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring, a first end of the spring coupled to the gaming machine display and a second end of the spring coupled to a cabinet interior, wherein compression of the at least one spring reduces shock to the gaming machine display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Spring

Implementation Method 2

at least one linear actuator having a first end and a second end and having a motor at the first end coupled to an interior of the cabinet, a connector at the second end, the connector coupled to the motor at a first part and to the gaming machine display at a second part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 3

at least one display motion dampener, a first end of the display motion dampener coupled to the display and a second end of the display motion dampener coupled to a cabinet interior, wherein the display motion dampener reduces shock to the display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS7641556B2Shock prevention device and system for display

Publication Date: 2010.01.05 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A gaming machine shock prevention device having a door hingedly coupled to a cabinet of the gaming machine, a gaming machine display positioned between the cabinet and the door, the gaming machine display hingedly coupled to the cabinet, and at least one spring, a first end of the spring coupled to the gaming machine display and a second end of the spring coupled to a cabinet interior, wherein the gaming machine display and door are moveable between a first position which defines the cabinet interior and a second position which exposes the cabinet interior, wherein compression of the at least one spring reduces shock to the gaming machine display when moved to the first position, and wherein opening the door to the second position releases the at least one spring to move the gaming machine display to the second position.