Nested Polyhedral Random Selection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random selection devices, such as gaming dice, face limitations in increasing the number of symbols without proportionally increasing the device size and complexity, leading to issues with randomness and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A polyhedral device with paired containment compartments and secondary selection devices allows for a larger number of symbols to be selected without increasing the number of faces, using a main body with even-numbered parallel sides and secondary devices with polyhedral shapes, enabling random selection from a wider set of symbols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of faces of the solid is increased to increase the number of pre-determined symbols, then the number of symbols from which selection is made increases, but the size and volume of the device increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places multiple secondary selection devices (nested dolls) inside the main polyhedral body. Each secondary device contains symbols and can be independently manipulated. This nesting approach allows the main device to provide many more symbol selection options than its own number of faces, as multiple secondary devices with multiple symbols each are contained within the single main body volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the symbol selection function into multiple independent secondary selection devices, each containing a subset of symbols. These segmented secondary devices are housed within containment compartments in the main body. This segmentation allows the total number of selectable symbols to exceed the number of faces on the main device, as users can select from symbols across multiple secondary devices rather than being limited to symbols on the main body faces.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of faces of the solid is increased to increase the number of pre-determined symbols, then the number of symbols from which selection is made increases, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting multiple smaller secondary selection devices within the main body, the patent achieves a high total symbol count without proportionally increasing overall device weight. The nested arrangement allows efficient use of internal volume, and the secondary devices can be made lightweight since they are contained within the main body structure rather than requiring additional external faces.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of faces of the solid is increased to increase the number of pre-determined symbols, then the number of symbols from which selection is made increases, but the complexity and production cost of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the symbol set into multiple secondary selection devices, each with a manageable number of symbols. This segmentation reduces the complexity of manufacturing each individual secondary device compared to creating a single large polyhedron with many faces. Additionally, the containment compartments provide organized housing for these secondary devices, making assembly and production more systematic and less complex than manufacturing a single complex multi-faced solid.
4Quantity of substance
If the number of faces of the solid is increased to increase the number of pre-determined symbols, then the number of symbols from which selection is made increases, but the display size of the symbol on each face decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests secondary selection devices inside the main body, allowing symbols on the secondary devices to be displayed at adequate sizes since they are not constrained by the limited surface area of the main device's external faces. The containment compartments provide internal space where secondary devices can be positioned such that their symbol faces are sufficiently large for clear display, regardless of how many total symbols are available across all secondary devices.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a new device is designed and manufactured each time the number or composition of pre-determined symbols is changed, then the device can be adapted to different symbol sets, but the production cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the symbol selection system into a reusable main body structure with containment compartments and interchangeable secondary selection devices. This segmentation allows adaptability to different symbol sets by simply replacing or reconfiguring the secondary devices rather than manufacturing an entirely new device. The main body and containment compartments can be produced once and reused, reducing production costs and time when adapting to different symbol compositions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the secondary selection devices can be added, removed, or reconfigured within the containment compartments. This dynamic arrangement allows the device to adapt to different symbol sets and numbers without requiring complete redesign or remanufacturing of the main device structure, thereby reducing production costs and time for adaptations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1; 2) for randomly selecting a symbol among a plurality of pre-determined symbols, comprising a main body (11; 21) having a polyhedral shape provided with a plurality of sides (111) in even number parallel and in pairs parallel and opposite to each other, a plurality of containment compartments (12; 22) equal to the number of sides (111), provided with a transparent cover (121) at the side (111) and a support base (122), opposite the transparent cover (121) within the main body (11; 21), and a plurality of secondary devices (13) for randomly selection, each arranged within one of the containment compartments (12; 22) and comprising a secondary body having a polyhedral shape provided with a plurality of sides (131) in even number parallel and in pairs opposite to each other, wherein each face (131) of the secondary devices for randomly selection is able to be placed onto the support base (122) by arranging only one face (131), corresponding to the face (131) parallel and opposite to the support base (122). parallel to the support base (122) and at the transparent cover (121).