Gaming Input Device Membrane Seal for Contaminant Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machine input devices are susceptible to foreign contaminants, which can enter the housing and cause operational failures, leading to costly replacements and revenue loss for casino operators.
Innovation Solution
An input device design featuring a membrane between the lens and bezel sections, which prevents foreign contaminants from entering the housing while maintaining tactile feedback and visual effects, using a flexible membrane that moves with the actuated lens to provide a seal and protect electrical contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input device housing is open to allow player access and tactile feedback, then the ease of operation is improved, but foreign contaminants can enter the housing causing operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is positioned between the lens and bezel sections of the input device housing. This membrane allows tactile feedback to pass through to players while blocking foreign contaminants from entering the housing and causing operational failures.
2Reliability
If the input device housing is sealed to prevent contaminant entry, then the reliability is improved, but the tactile feedback function is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane creates a seal between housing sections that prevents contaminant entry while allowing tactile feedback to pass through, thus maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the membrane is made rigid to block contaminants effectively, then the protection against foreign objects is improved, but the movement with actuated lens is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane is configured to move with the actuated lens during operation, maintaining its contaminant-blocking function while adapting to the dynamic movement of the input device components.
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 prevents contamination, reducing inoperability and maintenance costs by creating a spill-resistant edge-lit dynamic input device that maintains tactile function and visual effects, ensuring continuous operation of gaming machines.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane disposed between the first section and the panel, wherein the membrane impedes the entrance of foreign contaminates into the housing
Implementation Method 2
using a flexible membrane that moves with the actuated lens to provide a seal and protect electrical contacts
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, or apparatuses for impeding the entrance of foreign contaminates into a housing of a gaming machine may include a gaming controller, a panel, and an input device mounted to the panel. The input device may include a housing. The housing of the input device may include a first section, a second section, and a member moveable with respect to the first and the second sections, wherein the moveable member is configured to be actuated by a player to provide input to the gaming controller; and a membrane disposed between the first section and the panel, wherein the membrane impedes the entrance of foreign contaminates into the housing.