Grabber Weight Detection for Prize Acquisition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prize acquisition game devices struggle to detect whether a prize has been picked up and to determine the type of prize, especially when multiple prizes are available, due to spatial limitations and feasibility issues with sensors like infrared sensors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating weight determining means, such as weighing cells or pressure sensors, to determine the weight of the pick-up means and objects, allowing for adjustment of gripping force and derivation of prize type, along with control devices to manage gripping force and animation effects based on weight measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If infrared sensors or switches are used to detect prize presence in grabber claws, then prize detection capability is improved, but device complexity and feasibility are worsened due to spatial limitations and mounting difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection systems (infrared sensors) with a mechanical detection system based on weight measurement. A load cell or force sensor measures the weight difference between the grabber assembly with and without a prize, providing reliable detection without the spatial and mounting constraints of optical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces weight as an intermediary measurement parameter. Instead of directly detecting prize presence with complex sensors, the system uses weight measurement as an intermediate step - comparing the weight of the grabber assembly before and after grabbing to indirectly detect prize acquisition and even determine prize type.
2Reliability
If gripping force is increased to ensure prize acquisition, then acquisition reliability is improved, but prize type differentiation capability is worsened due to potential damage to lighter prizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gripping force dynamic rather than static. The control system adjusts the gripping force in real-time based on weight measurements during the grabbing process. If the weight increase indicates a light prize, the system reduces gripping force to prevent damage; if a heavy prize is detected, stronger gripping force is maintained for reliable acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the weight measurement from the load cell feeds back to the control system, which then adjusts the gripping force accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the gripping force is optimized for each specific prize type, maintaining reliability while preventing damage to lighter objects.
3Measurement precision
If weight determination is performed continuously to detect prize pickup and adjust gripping force, then detection accuracy and control precision are improved, but energy consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic weight measurements rather than continuous measurement. Weight determination is performed at key moments in the grabbing cycle - before grabbing, during grabbing, and after grabbing - which provides sufficient detection accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
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
Enables simple and accurate detection of prize pickup, adjustment of gripping force for successful acquisition, and differentiation of prize types, enhancing the gaming experience with improved winning chances and statistical data collection.
Implementation Method 1
the weight determining means are provided for determining the weight of the pick-up means
Implementation Method 2
the pressure sensor is provided in such a manner that the vertical moving means exert a pressure force on the pressure sensor by their own weight and by the weight of the pick-up means connected thereto
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A device for picking up one or more objects, in particular one or more prizes to be won, and subsequently moving the same to a dispensing position, comprising: - a pick-up means (3), such as a grabber or a vacuum head; - positioning means to be controlled by a user for positioning the pick-up means over one or more objects, wherein weight determining means (12) are provided for determining the weight of the pick-up means, in which one or more picked up objects may be present in case of a successful pick-up attempt, or of a variable related to said weight.