LCD Button Deck Assembly With Membrane Spill Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional button decks for electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are prone to liquid ingress, which can cause failures due to spills, especially in casual gaming environments, leading to costly repairs and revenue loss, and existing solutions fail to provide dynamic and cost-effective protection for LCD-based button decks.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof button deck assembly that incorporates an LCD panel, optical blocks, a carrier tray, a printed circuit board assembly, and an elastomeric membrane, where the optical blocks transmit images through a lens cap and the elastomeric membrane channels fluid flow around sensitive electronics, preventing liquid ingress and allowing for dynamic button configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional button decks are used in EGMs, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the button deck is prone to liquid ingress causing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The button deck assembly is divided into multiple sealed compartments or zones using barriers and diverts, preventing liquid from reaching sensitive electronics while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
An elastomeric membrane acts as an intermediary barrier between the liquid environment and sensitive components, channeling fluid flow away from critical areas while allowing the button deck to maintain its functional structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic pushbuttons with LCD panels are used, then graphical themes and colors can be changed, but the button deck becomes vulnerable to fluid damage
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric membrane provides flexible protection over the LCD panel and electronics, conforming to the dynamic nature of the display while maintaining fluid barrier functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric membrane serves as a protective intermediary that allows the LCD panel to display dynamic content while shielding it from fluid ingress and physical damage
3Reliability
If the button deck is made waterproof, then liquid damage is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric membrane provides waterproof protection through a single integrated component that can be manufactured separately and installed as a modular unit, simplifying the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproofing function is segmented into a separate membrane component rather than being integrated into the main button deck structure, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly
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 protects the button deck's sensitive components from liquid damage while enabling dynamic graphical themes and reduced maintenance costs, ensuring the EGMs remain operational and revenue-generating.
Implementation Method 1
an optical block configured to transmit images from the display panel for display through the lens cap
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric membrane is configured to channel fluid flow to outer edges of the elastomeric membrane and around the PCB assembly and the display panel
Data Source
AI summary
A button deck assembly includes a button deck having at least one mechanical pushbutton, the pushbutton includes a lens cap, a liquid-crystal display (LCD) panel, and an optical block configured to transmit images from the LCD panel for display through the lens cap, a bottom surface of the optical block is positioned on the LCD panel, an air gap is defined between a top surface of the optical block and the lens cap. The assembly also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly defining a PCB aperture, the PCB aperture is sized to receive the optical block, and an elastomeric membrane defining a membrane aperture sized to receive the optical block, the optical block extends from the LCD panel through the PCB and membrane apertures, the membrane channels fluid flow to outer edges of the membrane and around the PCB assembly and the LCD panel.