Monitor Articulation Mechanism for Gaming Cabinet Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic gaming machines face challenges in designing monitor articulation mechanisms that allow monitors to be moved for access to the internal compartment without interfering with surrounding components, such as adjacent monitors or light bars.
Innovation Solution
An articulating support frame that moves monitors along a combination of linear and arcuate paths, using a linear guide and pivotably coupled monitor mounting frame to clear access openings and adjacent components, allowing the monitor to serve as an access door without requiring counter-weights or torsion springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If monitors are moved to provide access to the gaming machine cabinet, then accessibility for maintenance and service is improved, but the monitor may interfere with or be obstructed by surrounding components such as adjacent monitors and panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a two-stage articulation mechanism that moves the monitor through different dimensional paths: first along a linear path to clear adjacent components, then along an arcuate path to provide access to the cabinet. This multi-dimensional motion trajectory resolves the contradiction by navigating around obstructing components rather than moving in a single direct path.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitor mounting structure incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the monitor to transition between fixed and movable states. The articulation mechanism enables the monitor to adapt its position dynamically during the opening sequence, first moving linearly then rotating arcuately to clear obstacles and provide access.
2Device complexity
If a simple hinge mechanism is used to move the monitor, then device complexity is reduced, but the monitor cannot clear adjacent components during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is segmented into two distinct functional stages: a linear movement phase and an arcuate rotation phase. This segmentation allows each stage to perform a specific function - the linear guide handles the initial movement to clear adjacent components, while the hinge mechanism handles the final rotation to provide access. This divided approach achieves complex motion without requiring an overly complicated single-stage mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear guide acts as an intermediary element between the cabinet and the monitor hinge. It mediates the motion by first translating the monitor along a linear path to clear adjacent components, then transferring control to the hinge mechanism for the final arcuate rotation. This intermediary structure enables the monitor to clear obstacles without requiring a complex multi-axis robotic arm.
3Ease of operation
If counter-weights or torsion springs are used to assist monitor movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and potential reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is designed to move the monitor through its own structural geometry and gravity rather than requiring external assistance systems. The linear guide and hinge mechanism create a motion path that naturally clears adjacent components, and the monitor's own weight provides the driving force for movement down this path, eliminating the need for counter-weights or torsion springs.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming machine includes a cabinet defining an internal compartment and an access opening that provides access to the internal compartment, a monitor positioned within the access opening, and an articulating support frame positioned within the internal compartment and operatively coupled to the monitor. The monitor is moveable by the articulating support frame along a first, linear path of motion from a first, closed position to a second, intermediate position, and along a second, arcuate path of motion from the second position to a third, open position.