Transparent Switch Unit with Discharge Gap for Slot Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slot machine switch units are prone to electronic component failure due to static electricity-induced creeping discharge, and they lack sufficient appeal to players due to limited image display on operation keys.
Innovation Solution
A switch unit design featuring transparent buttons with edges and a transparent button case, incorporating a discharge gap parallel to electronic components to prevent excessive current flow and enhance visual appeal by displaying images on the buttons and between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the button case and surrounding structure are made transparent to increase image display area, then visual appeal to players is improved, but the button thickness is reduced causing creeping discharge from button to button case
Solution Approach 1:
A discharge gap is introduced as an intermediary protective element between the button and the button case. This gap acts as a mediator that prevents direct creeping discharge while maintaining the transparent structure's visual appeal. The discharge gap allows controlled electrical discharge to occur away from electronic components, protecting them from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of static electricity and creeping discharge into a beneficial protective mechanism. By providing a controlled discharge path through the discharge gap, the harmful electrical energy is safely directed away from electronic components, transforming a potential failure mode into a protective feature.
2Ease of manufacture
If the button is made thinner to reduce cost and improve transparency, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but creeping discharge occurs more easily from the button to the button case
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge gap serves as an intermediary protective layer that compensates for the reduced thickness of the button. This intermediary structure prevents direct electrical contact between the button and button case, eliminating the creeping discharge pathway that would otherwise be created by the thinner button design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the electrical pathway by introducing a discharge gap that separates the button from the button case. This segmentation breaks the continuous electrical path that would allow creeping discharge, while maintaining the physical and visual continuity of the transparent structure.
3Area of stationary object
If transparent material is used for the button to enable image display, then visual appeal is improved, but the button becomes susceptible to static electricity-induced creeping discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge gap acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the transparent button and the button case. This intermediary structure specifically addresses the susceptibility of transparent materials to static electricity by providing a controlled discharge path that prevents harmful creeping discharge while maintaining the transparency needed for image display.
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
Prevents electronic component failure from static electricity while providing a higher visual appeal to players through extended image projection and luminescent edge effects without affecting the display.
Implementation Method 1
providing the discharge gap in parallel with the electronic component can prevent a current higher than usual from flowing in the electronic component
Data Source
AI summary
A switch unit has a display part configured to display an image, and an operation part provided on the display part in a stacked manner. The operation part includes a button made of a transparent material except for an edge, a transparent button case having an opening formed in a position corresponding to a display region of the display part and configured to position the button, and a transparent substrate provided below the button case and having an electronic component disposed in a position corresponding to the edge of the button. The button is disposed on the transparent substrate via the opening in the button case. A discharge gap in parallel with the electronic component is provided on a wire in a position corresponding to the edge of the button on the transparent substrate.