Modular Lottery Ticket Dispenser Array with Printer Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lottery ticket dispensing systems occupy valuable space at retail check-out counters due to the large size of electronic dispensers and separate components required for scratch-off and on-demand tickets, making it inefficient to manage both types of tickets within the limited space.
Innovation Solution
A modular lottery ticket dispenser array with a frame containing separate bins for scratch-off tickets and a printer module, controlled by a common controller that can initiate dispensing and printing, allowing for flexible placement and minimizing space usage by integrating dispensing and printing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional electronic lottery ticket dispensers are used, then scratch-off tickets can be dispensed automatically, but the dispenser occupies large space at the check-out counter
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ticket dispensing function into separate modular bins, each containing a stack of preprinted scratch-off tickets. Each bin is an independent unit that can be individually managed and replaced, allowing the overall system to maintain a compact footprint while providing automated dispensing capabilities through the controller that receives signals from the point-of-sale system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser array is designed to handle multiple types of lottery tickets (scratch-off and draw games) within a single integrated system. The controller can manage different bin configurations and ticket types, making the system versatile for various retail needs without requiring separate dedicated devices for each ticket type, thus reducing total space requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate bins for different ticket types are used, then ticket variety is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single controller unit manages multiple bins containing different ticket types (scratch-off and draw games). The controller receives unified signals from the point-of-sale system and appropriately directs ticket dispensing from the correct bin, providing versatile ticket variety management without requiring separate complex systems for each ticket type.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bins for different ticket types are integrated into a single dispenser array structure with a common controller. This consolidation allows the system to manage diverse ticket varieties while maintaining a unified, manageable device architecture that reduces overall complexity compared to having separate standalone dispensers for each bin.
3Area of stationary object
If a common controller manages all bins, then space is minimized, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common controller is designed to autonomously manage the dispenser array by receiving signals from the point-of-sale system and automatically directing ticket dispensing from the appropriate bins without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining efficient space utilization through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
Control functions for multiple bins are merged into a single common controller that handles all dispensing operations. This consolidation simplifies the overall control architecture by eliminating the need for separate controllers for each bin, reducing space requirements while managing control complexity through integrated design.
4Ease of operation
If modular bins are used, then flexibility and ease of replacement are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser array is constructed from standardized modular bin units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the complete system. Each bin is designed as a self-contained module with uniform dimensions and interface specifications, enabling simplified manufacturing through standardization while providing excellent flexibility for easy replacement and reconfiguration in the field.
Data Source
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Figure 3~5
AI summary
A lottery ticket dispenser array includes a frame and a plurality of separate bins contained within the frame. Each bin includes a housing having a front side that faces a purchaser in operational use of the dispenser array, an opposite back side, and an internal space for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets, wherein each lottery tickets contains a code printed thereon. Each bin has an electronic drive mechanism that dispenses the lottery tickets therefrom. The bins are separately removable and insertable into the array. A printer module is provided in the array and has a size and configuration so as to be insertable into the array in place of at least one of the bins.