Reel Strip Attachment via Snap Rivets and Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reel strip attachment methods for gaming machines are prone to damage during removal, require subjective alignment, and result in visible artifacts, leading to reduced entertainment value and increased operational time.
Innovation Solution
A reel strip attachment assembly featuring a frame with registration apertures and an adhesive-backed attachment strip with snap rivets, allowing for precise alignment and non-destructive attachment, with the adhesive layer exposed via a release backing for secure bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive tape is used to secure reel strip ends, then the strip can be attached to the reel cage, but the adhesive forms a very tight bond that causes tears or kinks during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct components: a reusable attachment strip with adhesive, a release backing for controlled application, and a reel cage with registration features. This segmentation allows the adhesive to be applied only where needed while maintaining the ability to remove the reel strip without damage through the use of release backing and precise positioning features.
2Strength
If snap rivets with caps are used to attach the reel strip, then the strip can be secured to the frame, but the caps are visible to the player and destroy the perception of a seamless reel
Solution Approach 1:
The visual artifact (rivet cap) is extracted or removed from the system. Instead of using traditional snap rivets with visible caps, the patent employs an attachment strip with adhesive that bonds the reel strip to the cage without requiring visible fasteners. The attachment strip itself is positioned to be concealed from the player's view, achieving both secure attachment and seamless appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary attachment strip is introduced between the reel strip and the cage. This attachment strip serves as a mediator that provides the necessary mechanical connection while remaining hidden from view. The attachment strip with its adhesive layer and release backing allows for secure attachment without compromising the visual continuity of the reel.
3Ease of operation
If operators align the bottom of the new reel strip by "eyeballing" the precise alignment position, then the strip can be installed, but this subjective technique is fraught with human error and can result in misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The subjective visual alignment method is replaced with a mechanical alignment system. The reel cage includes registration features such as registration apertures or alignment tabs that physically guide and position the reel strip. These mechanical features provide objective, precise alignment without requiring operator judgment, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of installation.
4Strength
If traditional adhesive methods are used to attach reel strips, then the strip can be secured, but strip removal is destructive and the strip cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
Preliminary protective action is taken by incorporating a release backing on the attachment strip. This release backing prevents the adhesive from bonding to surfaces during storage and handling, and allows for controlled application. The adhesive is designed to bond strongly to the reel strip and cage when properly applied, yet the overall system allows for non-destructive removal through the use of the release backing and precise positioning features, enabling reel strip reuse.
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
Enables secure, non-destructive attachment and alignment of reel strips, maintaining their integrity and appearance, reducing human error and operational time while allowing for seamless reel operation.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment strip has an adhesive layer on one side thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable reel strip attachment assembly including an attachment strip with snap rivets that snaps through corresponding apertures in a reel strip and into apertures in a reel cage. The attachment strip includes an adhesive layer protected by a release backing that is removed to expose the adhesive layer. The reel strip is positioned over the reel cage so that the apertures in the reel strip co-align with those of the reel cage, and the snap rivets are inserted through the aligned apertures to attach the reel strip to the reel cage in a reliable, precise, and consistent manner. The reel strip is wound around the reel cage and the free end of the reel strip is pressed onto the exposed adhesive layer of the attachment strip.