Self-Adjusting Reel Sled for Fast Mechanical Reel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machine cabinets face challenges with heavy and cumbersome belly doors that are difficult to open for maintenance, and mechanical reel devices are cumbersome to install and align due to manufacturing tolerances and mounting difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A sled assembly with a sled tray and spring mechanism allows adjustable mounting of reel devices, using a basket with a locking tab and slotted portion for precise alignment, and a linkage mechanism for easier belly door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a gas cylinder is used to assist opening the belly door, then the force required to open the door is reduced, but the door remains heavy and cumbersome to open and close
Solution Approach 1:
The sled assembly is divided into separate functional components: a sled tray for supporting reel devices, spring mechanisms for providing assistive force, and linkage mechanisms for connecting to the belly door. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the spring mechanisms specifically designed to counteract the door's weight while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled assembly incorporates spring mechanisms that dynamically adjust to the belly door's movement, providing variable assistance throughout the opening and closing cycle. The linkage mechanism connects the sled to the door, allowing the system to adapt to different positions and forces required during operation, thereby improving ease of operation while managing the door's weight.
2Ease of manufacture
If reel devices are mounted using predrilled or preformed holes, then the mounting process is simplified, but the installation process becomes difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sled assembly is preassembled with reel devices mounted on the sled tray before installation into the gaming machine cabinet. This preliminary assembly allows for pre-positioning and pre-alignment of components, so that during final installation, the entire sled assembly can be positioned and secured as a unit, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining ease of mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple components (reel devices, sled tray, spring mechanisms, and linkage mechanisms) are merged into a single integrated sled assembly that is installed as one unit. This combining approach simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of separate mounting operations required, thereby decreasing installation time while maintaining ease of mounting through the unified design.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical reels are positioned individually to account for manufacturing tolerances, then positioning precision is improved, but the complexity of the mounting process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanisms in the sled assembly automatically compensate for manufacturing tolerances and positioning variations. As the sled tray is installed and the spring mechanisms engage, they self-adjust to the correct positioning, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or complex mounting procedures to achieve precise reel positioning while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms provide variable force and positioning adjustment capabilities that can accommodate different manufacturing tolerances. By changing the physical state and force parameters of the spring mechanisms, the system adapts to tolerances in the reel devices and mounting components, achieving precise positioning without increasing mounting process complexity.
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
Facilitates easy and precise installation of mechanical reels and reduces the effort required to open the belly door for maintenance, ensuring consistent reel positioning and improved installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one spring mechanism has a first end and a second end and is coupled to the rear side of the sled tray at a first end. The second end of the at least one spring mechanism is configured to be connected to the fixed reel framing member to allow the sled tray to be adjusted relative to the reel mounting frame in response to force being applied to the at least one stop.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine cabinet for a mechanical reel based gaming machine is provided. A plurality of reel devices, each including a mechanical reel and a basket, provides fast and easy installation of the mechanical reels in the gaming machine cabinet. The reel devices are mounted to a self-adjusting sled. The gaming machine cabinet includes a belly door that is coupled to the gaming machine cabinet and provides closed, intermediate, and fully open positions for the belly door.