Rotating Token Display for Dual-Sided Board Game Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing token support devices for board games are limited in their use as they only allow the presentation of a single face of tokens, restricting the gameplay possibilities.
Innovation Solution
A token support device with a base and a display unit connected via a rotatable pivot, allowing tokens with symmetrical symbols on both sides to be oriented for dual-sided presentation, enabling words to be formed in two reading directions by rotating the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a token support device presents only a single face of tokens, then the device structure is simple, but the gameplay versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is made rotatable relative to the base through a pivot connection, allowing it to dynamically change orientation between horizontal and vertical positions. This enables the device to present different faces of tokens by rotating the display unit 90 degrees, thereby increasing gameplay versatility without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The single display unit serves multiple functions by rotating to different positions: it can present tokens face-up horizontally for standard play, rotate vertically for alternate reading directions, and potentially present different sides of dual-faced tokens. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced versatility while maintaining a relatively simple single-unit structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If tokens have identical symmetrical symbols on both faces, then dual-sided presentation is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs symmetrical design (a form of controlled asymmetry principle) by making the symbols on both faces of tokens identical and symmetrical with respect to a vertical axis. This allows the tokens to be readable from either side when the display is rotated, enabling dual-sided presentation while the symmetry requirement actually simplifies manufacturing compared to creating perfectly mirrored asymmetric designs
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly of a supporting device (10) comprising a longitudinal supporting display (12) for receiving pieces (19) and a pedestal (14) that supports the display (12) by means of a mobile connection (16) having at least one degree of rotational freedom. At least one piece (19) comprises at least two opposite surfaces, each of said surfaces being provided with an identical symbol, for example a letter, said symbols being symmetrical in relation to each other along a vertical axis.