Resilient Record Changing Fork for Jukebox Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing record changing apparatuses for jukeboxes are complex, unreliable, and expensive to manufacture, and they restrict playing records in a fixed order with only one side playable, requiring manual reloading.
Innovation Solution
A record changing fork with spaced apart tines and a control mechanism that can move along a length and height axis, featuring resiliently deformable record gates to secure records with a threshold force, allowing for automatic loading and side-changing of records without moving parts other than the control mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If grippers with moveable arms are used to change records, then records can be automatically loaded and changed, but the device becomes complex, unreliable, and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of record handling from complex multi-component gripper systems and implements it through a simple fork-shaped member with tines that engage record grooves. This eliminates moveable arms, joints, and actuation mechanisms while maintaining automatic record loading and changing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using grippers that actively clamp onto records, the invention uses a passive fork structure where records are inserted by user action or gravity, and the fork simply holds or releases records based on their position and the engagement of grooves with tines. This inverted approach eliminates complex actuation mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple fork structure is used for changing records, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to securely hold and transport records may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fork structure incorporates localized features such as grooves on the tines that match record grooves, and resilient elements that provide localized gripping force. This concentrates the holding function at specific points rather than requiring complex overall structure, maintaining reliability while preserving simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses resiliently deformable record gates that change their physical state (deform under load, then return to original position) to securely hold records during transport and release them when needed. This dynamic parameter change provides reliable holding without complex mechanical structures.
3Extent of automation
If records are stored on a spike, then automatic playback is possible, but records can only be played in a fixed order and only one side at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The fork structure can handle records in multiple orientations and positions, enabling playback of either side of a record and allowing flexible selection of which record to play next. The system can lift, rotate, and position records arbitrarily, providing universal adaptability compared to the fixed spike arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control mechanisms that can move the fork along defined paths, lift and lower records, and rotate the fork to present different sides of records to the turntable. This dynamic capability enables flexible playback ordering and side selection while maintaining automatic operation.
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 solution is simple, reliable, and cost-effective, enabling automatic record loading and side-changing without the need for complex mechanisms, allowing for flexible record playback and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one tine comprising a resiliently deformable record gate, the record gate being adapted to prevent sliding of a record in the grooves past the record gate unless the record is slid with a force exceeding a threshold force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus for changing a record comprising a record changing fork comprising first and second spaced apart tines arranged in a record plane and extending from a fork base to a fork mouth, each tine comprising a groove extending from the fork mouth at least part way to the fork base, the grooves being arranged to hold a record therebetween in the record plane; at least one tine comprising a resiliently deformable record gate, the record gate being adapted to prevent sliding of a record in the grooves past the record gate unless the record is slid with a force exceeding a threshold force; at least one shelf adapted to support a record, the width of the shelf being less than the separation between the tines; and, a control mechanism connected to the record changing fork, the control mechanism being adapted to reciprocally displace the record changing fork along a length axis extending from the fork mouth to the fork base and a height direction normal to the record plane; the shelf comprising at least one end stop adapted to prevent sliding of a record off the shelf in a direction parallel to the length axis towards the record changing fork and at least one back stop adapted to prevent sliding of the record off the shelf in a length direction parallel to the length axis away from the record changing fork.