Rotating Reel Game Die for Multi-Value Display
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gaming dice with more than six sides become cumbersome and difficult to read, requiring a flat surface to rest on, limiting their usability in providing multiple values effectively.
Innovation Solution
A game die device with a three-dimensional body and rotatable reel system, featuring a connector and inner/outer plates that allow each side to display different outcomes with equal probability when landed, addressing the issue of size and readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of sides or faces of the gaming die is increased to provide more than six values, then the number of possible outcomes is improved, but the size of the die becomes very large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The die is segmented into multiple functional components: a body with walls, a reel assembly with multiple outer plates, inner plates, and a connector. Each outer plate can display different values, allowing the die to provide more than six values while maintaining a compact size. The reel rotates to bring different outer plates into viewing position through wall apertures.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel assembly is nested within the body of the die. The connector is inserted through the reel aperture and coupled to the body, allowing the reel to rotate within the confined space of the die body. This nesting enables multiple values to be displayed without increasing the overall die size.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of sides or faces of the gaming die is increased to provide more than six values, then the number of possible outcomes is improved, but the sides or faces become small and hard to read
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the number of faces on a traditional polyhedral die, the invention uses a rotating reel mechanism that presents multiple outer plates sequentially through wall apertures. This transforms the display from a static multi-face structure to a dynamic single-face presentation, allowing each outer plate to be large and easily readable while still providing many possible values.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel is configured to rotate around the connector when the die is rolled or thrown, bringing different outer plates into viewing position. This dynamic mechanism allows multiple large, readable values to be displayed sequentially rather than requiring multiple small faces simultaneously.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of sides or faces of the gaming die is increased to provide more than six values, then the number of possible outcomes is improved, but the die requires a substantially flat and level surface in order to come to rest
Solution Approach 1:
The body of the die comprises walls coupled together in a three-dimensional shape with curved surfaces. The reel rotates within this curved structure, and the die can tumble and rotate freely during play without requiring a flat surface to come to rest, unlike traditional polyhedral dice with flat faces.
4Quantity of substance
If a reel system with multiple outer plates is used to display multiple values, then the number of values is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple outer plates are combined into a single rotating reel assembly that moves as one unit. The inner plates are also merged into the same assembly, with all components rotating together around the connector. This merging reduces complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each value display.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel assembly serves multiple functions: it stores multiple outer plates with different values, rotates to display them sequentially, and uses gravity to determine the final displayed value. The connector serves both as a structural element and as the axis of rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 a compact and readable game die that can display multiple values on each side with equal probability, enhancing gameplay without the need for a flat surface, thus improving usability and fairness.
Implementation Method 1
the action of gravity causes a first inner plate junction of the two or more inner plate junctions to rest on the connector so that the outer plate proximate to the first inner plate junction is facing away from the second wall and visible through the wall aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A game die device may include a body having a number of walls and each wall may comprise a contact surface. One or more walls may also comprise a wall aperture. The device may include at least one reel which may be pivotally or rotatably coupled to the body via one or more connectors, and the reel may include two or more outer plates which may be alternatingly positioned to be visible through the wall aperture as the reel is rotated. The reel may include one or more inner plates which may be configured to form a reel aperture into which the connector may be inserted. The reel aperture may be shaped to include two or more inner plate junctions and each inner plate junction may be positioned proximate to the center of one of the outer plates of the reel.