Tile Dispenser Gate Element Shuffling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tile-based games require manual selection of tiles, which can be time-consuming and lacks randomness in tile distribution, affecting gameplay experience.
Innovation Solution
A tile dispenser with a shuffleable chamber and a moveable gate element that allows for the loading and dispensing of tiles, enabling randomized distribution and user-initiated or automated dispensing of a predetermined number of tiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual selection of tiles is used, then players can choose tiles, but the process is time-consuming and lacks randomness
Solution Approach 1:
The tile dispenser automatically performs the tile selection and distribution function that previously required manual player action. The device self-services by mechanically selecting and delivering tiles to players without requiring them to manually reach into containers and pick tiles, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual selection process while maintaining the ability to choose specific tiles through the dispensing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of players reaching into containers and selecting tiles with an automated mechanical dispensing system. The dispenser uses mechanical components including a gate element, push member, and shuffling mechanism to automatically select and deliver tiles, substituting the players' manual selection process with a controlled mechanical system that is both faster and capable of randomized distribution
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection of tiles is used, then players can control tile choice, but randomness in tile distribution is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The tile dispenser incorporates a shuffling mechanism that uses mechanical vibration and movement to randomize the arrangement of tiles within the chamber before dispensing. This vibration-based shuffling system ensures that tiles are randomly distributed and positioned, providing true randomness in tile selection that cannot be achieved through manual selection, while the gate element maintains control over which tiles are dispensed
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system uses dynamic movement of the gate element and push member to control tile dispensing. The gate element can be positioned at various angles and the push member can apply varying forces to deliver different numbers of tiles, providing adaptability in the dispensing process while maintaining randomness through the shuffling mechanism's continuous movement and repositioning of tiles
3Productivity
If a gate element is added for controlled dispensing, then tile distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tile dispenser is divided into distinct functional segments: a tile chamber for storage and shuffling, a gate element for controlled release, and a push member for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design relatively simple and modular, facilitating easier manufacturing and maintenance despite the added functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The gate element serves as an intermediary component between the tile chamber and the dispensing outlet. It mediates the flow of tiles by controlling their release based on the position of the push member, enabling precise control over tile dispensing without requiring complex mechanical systems. The gate element translates the simple linear motion of the push member into controlled rotational or linear movement that regulates tile flow
Data Source
AI summary
A tile dispenser includes a tile chamber in which tiles are shuffleable and a gate element. The gate element is moveable between a closed position in which the gate element is loadable with one or more tiles coming from the tile chamber and an open position for dispensing any tiles that have been loaded into the gate element. A method of using the tile dispenser includes placing a plurality of tiles into the tile chamber in which the plurality of tiles are shuffleable and loading a predetermined number of the plurality of tiles into the gate element when the gate element is in the closed position. A method of manufacturing the tile dispenser includes providing the tile chamber, and providing the gate element in a location such that the gate element is loadable with one or more tiles coming from the tile chamber when in the closed position.