Wagering Game Machine Power Conservation via Staggered Supply Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wagering game machines consume high power and generate excessive inrush current when multiple power supplies are turned on simultaneously, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential tripping of fuses or circuit breakers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power control architecture that includes a primary and secondary power supply system, where the secondary power supply is activated only after the processor reaches an operational state, and using a timer or negative temperature coefficient thermistor to manage power distribution and reduce inrush current, along with a power factor correction module to filter harmonics and stabilize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple power supplies are activated simultaneously, then the system can provide sufficient power to all components, but excessive inrush current causes fuses or circuit breakers to trip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a power control architecture where a primary power supply is activated first to initialize the processor and control logic, then a secondary power supply is activated only after the system is ready to accept additional power loads. This preliminary sequencing prevents simultaneous inrush current from multiple power supplies while ensuring adequate total power capacity is available when needed.
2Ease of operation
If all power supplies remain continuously active, then all components have immediate power availability, but power consumption and heat generation increase operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the secondary power supply can be selectively activated or deactivated based on system state and operational needs. The processor and control logic monitor power requirements and adjust the activation state of the secondary power supply accordingly, allowing the system to transition between different power consumption modes while maintaining operational capability when needed.
3Speed
If the secondary power supply is activated immediately, then all components receive power simultaneously for fastest system startup, but inrush current exceeds circuit protection thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates the primary power supply first to initialize the processor and control logic before activating the secondary power supply. This preliminary initialization ensures that control circuits are ready to manage the secondary power supply activation, preventing excessive inrush current while maintaining relatively fast overall startup performance through optimized sequencing rather than simultaneous activation.
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
This solution reduces power consumption and heat generation, minimizes inrush current, and prevents unnecessary power usage by activating peripherals only when needed, thereby lowering operating costs and preventing power-related issues in gaming establishments.
Implementation Method 1
using a timer or negative temperature coefficient thermistor to manage power distribution and reduce inrush current
Implementation Method 2
along with a power factor correction module to filter harmonics and stabilize power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide power management on a wagering game machine. Inrush power may be reduced by staggering application of power to various power supplies in a wagering game machine. A processor or timer may control the activation of power supplies. Further power management may be provided by placing wagering game machine peripherals in a power consumption mode appropriate to the activity or lack of activity on a wagering game machine.