Pneumatic Ball Launcher for Roulette with Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roulette gaming systems face challenges in ensuring secure and unpredictable ball launching, quick recovery of the ball, and maintaining game excitement, with limitations in controlling ball speed and direction, leading to potential manipulation and lengthy downtimes.
Innovation Solution
A ball launcher system with an airflow generator controlled by a controller, using variable airflow mass, speed, and direction, combined with a ball shuttle mechanism for precise launch timing, and sensors for real-time ball speed detection to adjust airflow parameters, allowing for precise control of ball speed and spin, and quick recovery of the ball.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple ball launch mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ball speed control precision and launch predictability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic launch mechanism where compressed air is directed through a launch tube to propel the ball. This pneumatic system provides precise control over ball speed and launch timing through regulated airflow, while maintaining relatively simple device architecture compared to mechanical alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls ball launch parameters by varying airflow characteristics (pressure, duration, direction) rather than using complex mechanical adjustments. The controller modulates pneumatic parameters to achieve desired ball speeds and trajectories, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining precision.
2Device complexity
If fixed airflow parameters are used for ball launch, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different game conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic airflow control where the pneumatic system parameters (pressure, flow rate, duration) are continuously adjusted based on real-time game conditions, ball position, and desired trajectory. This dynamic adaptation allows the same device to handle various game scenarios without increasing fundamental system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor ball position, launch conditions, and game state, then use this information to adjust airflow parameters for subsequent launches. This closed-loop control enables adaptability while keeping the device architecture relatively simple through intelligent control algorithms.
3Device complexity
If manual ball recovery and relaunch preparation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but game downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated ball recovery and relaunch system where the pneumatic mechanism automatically retrieves the ball after it completes its trajectory and prepares it for the next launch without human intervention. The system self-manages the transition between game rounds, minimizing downtime while maintaining simple device architecture through automation of routine tasks.
4Ease of operation
If predictable ball launch timing is used, then ease of operation is improved, but game security against manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or randomly varied launch timing rather than fixed predictable intervals. The controller introduces variability in launch timing while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control, preventing manipulation while keeping the system easy to operate through standardized procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances security against manipulation, increases game excitement, and reduces downtimes by ensuring precise and unpredictable ball launches, maintaining optimal game performance and extending equipment lifespan through automated adjustments and maintenance recommendations.
Implementation Method 1
a ball launcher for use in a gaming system such as a roulette wheel apparatus and to a gaming system such as a roulette wheel apparatus comprising the ball launcher, wherein the ball launcher includes an airflow generator for generating airflow through a launch tube to drive the ball through said launch tube
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a roulette wheel apparatus, and in particular to a ball launcher for use in a gaming system such as a roulette wheel apparatus and roulette wheel apparatus comprising the ball launcher. The airflow generator for generating the airstream through the launch tube is controlled by an airflow controller adapted to reverse airflow direction and/or to cause airflow in a direction opposite to the ball moving direction when a detected ball speed is higher than a desired ball speed and/or the ball speed is to be decreased.