Mechanical Reel Sled Assembly for Fast Alignment and Door Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machine cabinets face challenges with heavy and cumbersome belly doors that are difficult to open for maintenance, and mechanical reel devices are cumbersome to install and may appear uneven due to manufacturing tolerances, affecting aesthetic consistency.
Innovation Solution
A sled assembly with a sled tray and spring mechanism allows adjustable mounting of reel devices, using a basket with a tapered slot for precise positioning and a locking tab for secure attachment, and a linkage mechanism for easier belly door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a gas cylinder is used to assist opening the belly door, then the force required to open the door is reduced, but the door remains heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The sled assembly is divided into separate functional components: a sled tray for supporting reel devices, spring mechanisms for providing assistive force, and linkage mechanisms for controlling door movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the spring mechanisms specifically addressing the force requirement while the linkage mechanisms address the operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled assembly incorporates spring mechanisms that provide dynamic, variable force assistance during the door opening process. The springs engage and disengage at specific points in the door's movement cycle, adapting the assistive force to match the actual requirements at different stages of opening, thereby improving ease of operation more effectively than a static gas cylinder.
2Ease of manufacture
If reel devices are mounted using predrilled holes and fasteners, then the mounting process is simple, but the installation is difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sled assembly is preassembled as a complete mounting unit with the reel devices already positioned and secured to the sled tray. This preliminary assembly allows the entire reel assembly to be installed as a single unit by simply engaging the linkage mechanisms with the belly door, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled tray, reel devices, spring mechanisms, and linkage mechanisms are merged into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting operations for each component, transforming a complex, time-consuming installation process into a simple single-step engagement with the belly door.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical reels are mounted at fixed positions, then the installation is straightforward, but the reels may appear at different distances from the window due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The sled tray is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing the reel devices to be moved along the sled tray to precise locations. The spring mechanisms provide flexible mounting that can accommodate minor position variations while maintaining consistent appearance. This dynamic adjustability compensates for manufacturing tolerances without complicating the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled assembly incorporates adjustable parameters such as the position of reel devices on the sled tray and the engagement points of the linkage mechanisms. These parameters can be modified during installation to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring that all reels appear at the correct distance from the window while maintaining a straightforward installation process.
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
Facilitates easy and consistent installation of mechanical reels and reduces the effort required to open the belly door, enhancing maintenance accessibility and aesthetic uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one spring mechanism has a first end and a second end and is coupled to the rear side of the sled tray at a first end. The second end of the at least one spring mechanism is configured to be connected to the fixed reel framing member to allow the sled tray to be adjusted relative to the reel mounting frame in response to force being applied to the at least one stop.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine cabinet for a mechanical reel based gaming machine is provided. A plurality of reel devices, each including a mechanical reel and a basket, provides fast and easy installation of the mechanical reels in the gaming machine cabinet. The reel devices are mounted to a self-adjusting sled. The gaming machine cabinet includes a belly door that is coupled to the gaming machine cabinet and provides closed, intermediate, and fully open positions for the belly door.