Modular Card Dealing System with Silent Ejection Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing card distribution systems for bridge tournaments are inflexible, noisy, and expensive, making them unsuitable for both large and small events, and require manual handling and laborious safety procedures, especially during large tournaments.

Innovation Solution

A modular system comprising a card-handling module, a frame module, and a power-supply module, allowing for flexible adaptation and easy replacement, with a score-module for electronic scoring and communication, and a card-handling module with a rotatable cartridge for efficient card distribution and silent operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large and heavy card distribution apparatus is used to ensure reliable card distribution, then card distribution reliability is improved, but the device becomes difficult to move and requires manual handling and safety procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard distribution reliabilityVSAvoidease of moving and handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The card distribution apparatus is divided into separate modular components including a card magazine module, distribution mechanism module, and control module. Each module can be independently handled, moved, and replaced, eliminating the need to move entire heavy apparatus while maintaining system reliability through coordinated module operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed non-modular system is used to ensure system coherence, then system stability is improved, but the system cannot be adapted to different tournament sizes and environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem coherenceVSAvoidadaptability to different tournament sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular architecture enables universal application across different tournament configurations. Standardized interface modules allow the same basic card distribution mechanism to be adapted for various table arrangements, tournament types, and venue requirements by simply reconfiguring which modules are connected and how they are positioned, rather than requiring different fixed systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. Modules can be added, removed, or repositioned during setup based on tournament requirements, and the control system dynamically adjusts card distribution parameters to match the current configuration, providing both stability during operation and adaptability during setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If a complex card distribution system is used to ensure accurate card distribution, then distribution precision is improved, but the system produces significant noise and becomes unsuitable for game rooms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard distribution precisionVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces noisy mechanical card shuffling and dealing mechanisms with a controlled card ejection system. Cards are positioned precisely using controlled rotation of the magazine to specific angular positions, then ejected individually through controlled openings using minimal mechanical force, significantly reducing noise while maintaining distribution precision through electronic control of card selection and ejection timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If an expensive complex card-handing module is used to ensure reliable card distribution, then card distribution reliability is improved, but the overall system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard distribution reliabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses relatively simple, inexpensive modular components that can be easily replaced rather than investing in one expensive complex system. If a module wears out or malfunctions, it can be quickly swapped for a replacement module, reducing the need for expensive redundancy and maintenance while maintaining reliable operation throughout the tournament.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2099540B1A modular system for handing out playing cards and a module for handing out cards for such system

Publication Date: 2018.01.17 BRIDGE COMPANY AS

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular system for handing out playing cards and comprising at least one card-handing module (30, fig. 1 ) and a frame module (20). Additionally, the system preferably also comprises a power supply module (19) and a score module (40). The card-handing module (30) is particularly suitable for partaking as a replaceable component in connection with the other modules, it comprising an essentially closed housing (16) which substantially encloses a rotating spinner core (14). The card-handing module (30) is configured for being able to receive a deck of playing cards (18) and comprises means (10, 11, 15) for ejecting the playing cards individually and in a specific direction which is determined by means of a step motor (9). According to the invention the spinner core (14) is suspended in the housing (16) by means of two opposed bearings, wherein the motor (9) constitutes the one bearing, while an opposed bearing (1 ) is provided. Thereby a very compact unit is provided which is so noiseless that it can sit on a bridge game table and function without being a nuisance to the players.