Shuffling Machine Card Dispensing Structure with Beveled Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shuffling machines often damage playing cards due to warped or arched edges, leading to incorrect riffing and malfunction, which affects game fairness and card waste.
Innovation Solution
A shuffling machine with a card dispensing device featuring a fixed seat and a movably connected dispensing block with beveled edges, along with fiber optic sensors and a driving mechanism that prevents card deformation and automatically removes stuck cards by rotating the guiding rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional card dispensing piece is used to dispense playing cards, then automatic shuffling can be achieved, but warped or arched cards may be mistakenly riffled and damaged due to their deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the dispensing block vertically movable rather than fixed. The dispensing block can adjust its vertical position dynamically to adapt to cards with different degrees of warping or arching. When a warped card is detected, the dispensing block moves vertically to avoid forcing the card through, thereby preventing card damage while maintaining automatic shuffling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the fiber optic sensor that automatically detects warped or arched cards and triggers the control mechanism. The system self-adjusts by moving the dispensing block vertically when deformation is detected, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing card damage automatically during the shuffling process
2Productivity
If stacked playing cards are dispensed by a fixed card dispensing piece, then cards can be shuffled, but suction force may weaken halfway causing cards to be dropped and stuck between the dispensing piece and guiding roller assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the dispensing block vertically movable rather than fixed. When a card fails to be properly dispensed or gets stuck, the dispensing block can move vertically to release the jammed card and resume normal operation. This dynamic adjustment prevents malfunctions and maintains reliable continuous shuffling while preserving dispensing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the fiber optic sensor that continuously monitors card dispensing. When a card is detected to be stuck or suction force weakens, the sensor sends a signal to the control mechanism which adjusts the dispensing block's vertical position to resolve the issue. This feedback loop ensures reliable operation by automatically correcting dispensing problems without manual intervention
3Ease of operation
If a conventional card dispensing structure is used, then shuffling can be performed, but manual obstacle removal is required when cards get stuck, reducing game fairness and player interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect and resolve obstacles without manual intervention. The fiber optic sensor detects stuck cards and triggers the control mechanism to move the dispensing block vertically to clear jams. This automatic obstacle removal maintains game fairness and player interest by ensuring continuous reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical obstacle removal with an automated sensor-based system. The fiber optic sensor and control mechanism automatically detect and resolve card jams by adjusting the dispensing block's position, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining game fairness through consistent automated 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 prevents card deformation and ensures smooth dispensing, maintaining game fairness by avoiding card damage and malfunction through the use of beveled edges and automatic obstacle removal.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic member is disposed in the dispensing block and a magnetic member is disposed in the fixed seat. The magnetic members are arranged with their like poles to repel each other. The fixed seat is able to repel the dispensing block downward through magnetic repulsion, and the dispensing block can be displaced up and down through the slots to a limited extent.
Implementation Method 2
Two fiber optic sensors pass through the fixed seat or are inserted through the holes of the top of the fixed seat to be connected to the perforations. Each of the fiber optic sensors can detect whether there is any one of the playing cards between the card guiding roller assembly and the dispensing block.
Data Source
AI summary
A shuffling machine having a card dispensing structure is provided. The shuffling machine has a central accommodating compartment, a left accommodating compartment, a right accommodating compartment, and a card dispensing space. A translation plate is disposed in the card dispensing space. A driving mechanism is connected to the translation plate. The translation plate is coupled with a card dispensing device configured to dispense the playing cards in the card dispensing space. The card dispensing device includes a fixed seat and a dispensing block. The fixed seat limits a vertical displacement of the dispensing block within a predetermined distance. Left and right sides of an underside of the dispensing block have beveled edges. Thereby, the dispensing block and its beveled edges can prevent the playing card that is mistakenly riffled from being bent and damaged.