Modular Gaming Deck with Interchangeable Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines require an aesthetically appealing and customizable player interface that can accommodate various modular electronic components while maintaining a uniform visual appearance, addressing the need for flexibility in design and function.
Innovation Solution
A standardized, multi-level, multi-sectioned deck with interchangeable modular panel assemblies that have identical face plates until activation, allowing for diverse electronic components to be integrated without altering the deck's appearance from the player's perspective, enabling flexible and customizable functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular panel assemblies with different electronic components are used, then flexibility and customization of function are improved, but visual uniformity and aesthetic appeal may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The player interface deck is divided into multiple discrete partitions, each capable of housing a different modular panel assembly. This segmentation allows each partition to be independently configured with specific electronic components while maintaining the overall uniform appearance of the deck structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panel assemblies are designed with universal interchangeability across different partitions. Each panel assembly contains a face plate, electronic components, and fasteners that enable it to function in any partition location, allowing the same physical component to provide different functions depending on which electronic components are installed.
2Ease of repair
If electronic components are made exchangeable and modular, then ease of repair and maintenance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each modular panel assembly is segmented into distinct components (face plate, electronic components, fasteners) that can be independently accessed and replaced. The partition structure further segments the deck into discrete zones, allowing maintenance personnel to work on individual partitions without affecting other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panel assemblies are pre-configured with mounting features and fasteners that simplify installation and removal procedures. The partition structures are pre-designed with appropriate mounting points and concealment mechanisms, reducing the complexity of maintenance operations.
3Shape
If face plates are kept identical until activation, then visual uniformity and aesthetic appeal are improved, but ability to indicate functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The face plates utilize lighting elements that change color or illumination patterns to indicate different functional states. When electronic components are activated, the corresponding face plates emit light or change appearance, providing clear visual indication of functionality while maintaining uniform physical appearance when inactive.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple face plates are designed with identical physical characteristics and mounting interfaces, creating visual uniformity. The functionality differentiation is achieved through electronic activation rather than physical distinction, allowing the same face plate design to represent different functions based on operational state.
Data Source
AI summary
A visually uniform multi-level, multi-sectioned deck for a gaming machine player interface is disclosed. Sections of the interface are configured with modular panel assemblies having corresponding sets of electronic components. The panel assemblies may be exchanged to customize and flexibly configure the player interface. The deck includes partitions housing individual modular panel assemblies engaged via mated fastener components, shielding visibility of the installed electronic components from the player position until activated. A plurality of the modular panel assemblies, each having distinct and functional sets of electronic components, are available for engagement in each of the partitions of the deck. The assembled deck comprising a plurality of interchangeable modular panel assemblies, each having distinct and functional sets of electronic components, provides a configurable player interface having spatially segregated and demarked functional areas that appear uniform from the player position until activated.