Modular Shuffling Machine with Detachable Card Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shuffling machines require different designs for various card games, leading to increased manufacturing and maintenance costs due to the need for multiple machines to accommodate changing game preferences in casinos.

Innovation Solution

A shuffling machine with detachable card input and output assemblies allows for modular manufacturing and easy adaptation to different card games, enabling the separate sale and combination of shuffler, card input, and card output components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different shuffling machines are designed for different card games, then the machine can accommodate specific game requirements, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different card gamesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shuffling machine is divided into separate functional modules: a universal shuffler unit and detachable card input/output assemblies. Each assembly can be independently manufactured and then combined with the shuffler to create different game configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture entirely different machines for each card game.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shuffler unit is designed as a universal core component that can work with multiple types of card input and output assemblies. This multi-functionality allows a single shuffler to accommodate various card games by simply changing the attached assemblies, rather than requiring dedicated machines for each game type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple shuffling machines are purchased for different card games, then game flexibility is improved, but purchasing and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of machines required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single shuffler machine equipped with multiple detachable card input and output assemblies can perform the functions of multiple dedicated machines. The casino can attach different assemblies to the same shuffler depending on which card game is being played, reducing the total number of machines needed while maintaining game flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different shuffling machines are used for different card games, then specific game requirements are met, but storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various card gamesVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the machine into a permanent shuffler unit and separate detachable assemblies, the casino only needs to store the compact assemblies rather than entire machines. The assemblies can be stored in a small space and quickly attached to the shuffler when needed, dramatically reducing storage requirements while maintaining the ability to accommodate various card games.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7900924B2Shuffling machine with a detaching assembly for card input and output

Publication Date: 2011.03.08 TAIWAN FULGENT ENTERPRISE

AI summary

A shuffling machine has a shuffler, a card input, a card output, an input detaching assembly and an output detaching assembly. The input detaching assembly is mounted between the shuffler and the card input to connect the card input detachably to the shuffler. The output detaching assembly is mounted between the shuffler and the card output to connect the card output detachably to the shuffler. Therefore, the shuffler, the card input and the card output may be manufactured and sold separately to simplify manufacturing processes and reduce buying cost.