Sliding-Panel Reel Mount Assembly for Three-to-Five Reel Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) face challenges in efficiently accommodating different reel configurations without requiring part replacement or tool usage, limiting flexibility and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A configurable reel mount assembly that allows manual adjustment between three and five reel configurations within the EGM cabinet, featuring sliding panels with locking mechanisms for easy reconfiguration without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed reel mounting structure is used in EGMs, then structural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability for different reel configurations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reel mount assembly incorporates sliding panels that can move between locked positions to dynamically adjust the number of reels mounted (3, 4, or 5 reels). This dynamic structure allows the same physical assembly to adapt to different reel configurations without requiring multiple specialized mounting structures, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel mount assembly is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple reel configurations (3, 4, or 5 reels) within a single physical assembly. The sliding panels with locking mechanisms enable the same structure to serve multiple functions - mounting different numbers of reels - eliminating the need for separate mounting structures for each configuration.
2Ease of operation
If traditional reel mounting methods requiring tool usage and disassembly are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but operational efficiency and ease of reconfiguration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be operated manually by the user without requiring external tools. The sliding panel itself serves as the actuating mechanism - simply sliding the panel engages or disengages the lock, allowing operators to reconfigure reels independently and quickly without needing specialized tools or technical expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding panels are pre-positioned in locked states that secure the reels in place during operation. When reconfiguration is needed, the panels can be quickly slid to unlock and reposition, allowing rapid transition between configurations. This preliminary positioning and quick-release design minimizes the time required for reconfiguration compared to traditional screw-based mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming system that includes an electronic gaming machine (EGM) including a cabinet and a reel mount assembly for mounting a plurality of reels within the cabinet is described. The reel mount assembly includes a back panel comprising a plurality of apertures to receive an electrical connection between one of the plurality of reels and the EGM. The reel mount assembly also includes at least one sliding panel comprising a locking mechanism, wherein the at least one sliding panel is moveable in relation to the back panel and configured to be coupled to a reel of the plurality of reels. The reel mount assembly is configurable between one or more reel mounting configurations based on a position of the at least one sliding panel.