Universal Switch Assembly for Gaming Machine Cabinet Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional locking mechanisms for electronic gaming machine cabinets are purely mechanical, requiring physical contact and lacking electronic control, making them inefficient and difficult to upgrade, especially in casinos with diverse lock types.
Innovation Solution
A universal switch assembly that includes an electromechanical latch and a cam-actuated switching element, allowing for electronic control of the latch to lock or unlock the access door, compatible with existing barrel locks, enabling electronic and computer-controlled access management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional mechanical barrel locks are used, then the locking mechanism is simple and reliable, but it lacks electronic control capability and requires physical key management
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component that bridges the mechanical lock and the electronic latch system. The cam converts the rotational motion of the lock into linear motion that actuates the latch, enabling electronic control while maintaining compatibility with existing mechanical locks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical locking system with an electromechanical system. An electromechanical latch is introduced that can be controlled electronically, substituting the need for physical keys while maintaining the mechanical lock structure for backward compatibility.
2Extent of automation
If casinos upgrade to new electronic locking mechanisms, then electronic control is achieved, but existing barrel locks and key combinations become obsolete requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of existing barrel locks. The cam mechanism can be adapted to different lock configurations, allowing a single electronic system to control various mechanical lock types without requiring lock replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into independent components: the existing mechanical lock remains unchanged while a separate switch assembly with cam and latch is added. This modular approach allows electronic functionality to be added without modifying or replacing the original mechanical lock structure.
3Extent of automation
If mechanical locks requiring physical contact are used, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but it cannot be electronically actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical and electronic systems into a unified locking mechanism. The mechanical lock provides reliable physical security while the electronic latch system provides automated control. Both systems work together synergistically, with the cam mechanism coordinating their actions to achieve both reliability and electronic actuation.
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 provides a secure, electronically controlled locking system that can be easily integrated into existing gaming machine cabinets, enhancing security and reducing the need for physical key management, while allowing for seamless integration with various lock types.
Implementation Method 1
a cam coupled to a rotatable portion of the lock located within the cabinet, and a switching element mounted within the cabinet proximate the cam and configured to be mechanically engaged and actuated by the cam when the cam is rotated into contact with the switching element
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming machine includes a cabinet, an access door, an electromechanical latch mechanically coupled to the cabinet and configured to mechanically engage and disengage the access door, and a switch assembly operable to control the electromechanical latch. The switch assembly includes a lock mechanically coupled to the cabinet and extending into the cabinet, a cam mechanically coupled to a rotatable portion of the lock within the cabinet, and a switching element mounted within the cabinet proximate the cam and configured to be mechanically engaged and actuated by the cam when the cam rotates into contact with the switching element, wherein the switching element is electrically connected to the electromechanical latch and is further configured to control the electromechanical latch in response to actuation by the cam.