Gaming Machine Conductive Sheet for Static Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming machines are prone to electrostatic charging, which can damage circuit boards and cause discomfort to players due to static electricity accumulation on their exteriors.

Innovation Solution

A gaming machine design incorporating a conductive sheet interposed between the exterior member and the emission control unit, grounded to absorb and dissipate static electricity, preventing it from reaching the emission control unit and reducing player discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the exterior member is made of a material that is easily electrostatically charged (such as decorative materials), then the aesthetic appearance and ease of manufacture are improved, but static electricity accumulates on the exterior causing damage to the emission control unit and discomfort to players

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidelectrostatic charging

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive sheet is introduced as an intermediary layer between the exterior member and the emission control unit. This conductive sheet serves as a mediator that intercepts static electricity from the exterior member and directs it to ground, preventing the electricity from reaching the emission control unit while allowing the exterior member to maintain its decorative, electrostatic-prone material properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive sheet converts the harmful static electricity accumulation into a beneficial protective function. By providing a controlled path to ground, the system transforms the potentially damaging electrostatic charge into a safe dissipation mechanism that protects both the emission control unit and players from electrostatic shocks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Shape

If the exterior member is made of a material having electric propensity, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the possibility of damaging the emission control unit due to accumulated static electricity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive sheet acts as a protective intermediary that decouples the aesthetic exterior member from the sensitive emission control unit. This allows the exterior to be made of visually appealing, electrostatic-prone materials while the conductive sheet monitors and neutralizes static charge before it can compromise the reliability of the emission control unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive sheet provides beforehand protection by being positioned in advance between the exterior member and the emission control unit. It creates a protective barrier that preemptively handles static electricity accumulation, cushioning the emission control unit from potential electrostatic damage before it can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If no protective measure is taken, then the device complexity is reduced, but the emission control unit is vulnerable to damage from static electricity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidstatic electricity damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A relatively simple conductive sheet with ground connection is introduced as an intermediary protective element. This minimal addition provides substantial protection against static electricity damage while maintaining low device complexity, as the conductive sheet requires only basic conductive material and a ground connection point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive sheet is implemented as a thin, flexible conductive layer that can be easily integrated into the existing structure. This thin-film approach provides effective electrostatic protection without adding significant complexity, bulk, or rigidity to the device assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Effectively prevents damage to the emission control unit and minimizes electrostatic shocks for players, ensuring the gaming machine's reliability and player comfort by dissipating static electricity.

Implementation Method 1

A gaming machine design incorporating a conductive sheet interposed between the exterior member and the emission control unit, grounded to absorb and dissipate static electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

A conductive sheet which is provided to a position interposing between the exterior member and the emission control unit; a ground unit which grounds the conductive sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8251814B2Gaming machine having light emitting device

Publication Date: 2012.08.28 INTERBLOCK DOO

AI summary

A gaming machine includes a cabinet, an emission control unit, an exterior member, a conductive sheet, a ground unit, and a controller which runs a game. The emission control unit provided to the cabinet includes a light emitting portion and causes the light emitting portion to light. The exterior member is placed to a position surrounding the emission control unit and transmits light emitted by the light emitting portion to outside. The conductive sheet is provided to a position interposing between the exterior member and the emission control unit. The ground unit grounds the conductive sheet.