Zero Weight Articulating Access Door Mount
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As gaming machines incorporate larger and heavier monitors, the access doors become increasingly difficult to lift and pivot, posing a tipping hazard due to the additional weight, and conventional linear spring systems require larger struts to assist opening, which can lead to instability.
Innovation Solution
An articulating door mount utilizing a four-link mechanism, a biasing mechanism, and a cam to provide a position-dependent interface that biases the door link against a known force, effectively reducing the door's effective weight and maintaining stability by applying a uniform upward force throughout its range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If larger and heavier monitors are used in gaming machines, then the display quality and immersion are improved, but the access door becomes increasingly difficult to lift and pivot, creating tipping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism (spring) is configured to apply an upward force on the door link that counteracts the weight of the monitor and door assembly. The cam mechanism translates this spring force into a position-dependent upward force on the door, creating an anti-weight effect that makes the door appear weightless during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-link mechanism serves as an intermediary system between the door and the biasing mechanism. It transmits and transforms the force from the spring-cam assembly into the appropriate motion and force profile for the door, mediating between the heavy door load and the operator's input.
2Ease of operation
If conventional linear spring struts are used to assist opening the access door, then the door can be opened with reduced force, but larger struts are required which lead to instability and tipping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism provides an upward counterbalancing force that offsets the door's weight throughout its range of motion. This anti-weight effect eliminates the need for large stabilizing struts, as the door assembly is effectively weightless and cannot cause tipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism provides a dynamic, position-dependent interface that adjusts the biasing force according to the door's position. The spring force is translated through the cam profile to provide optimal counterbalancing at each point in the door's travel, rather than a static fixed-force strut.
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 articulating door mount allows for easier operation and reduced tipping hazards by maintaining the door in a raised position with zero effective weight, ensuring consistent force requirements for opening and closing, thus enhancing safety and operational ease.
Implementation Method 1
The cam is coupled to a link adjacent the at least one link and provides a position dependent interface for the biasing mechanism to bias the orientation of the door link against a known force
Implementation Method 2
The biasing mechanism is coupled to at least one link of the four link mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A weightless articulating door mount for a gaming machine is disclosed. The weightless articulating door mount has a four link mechanism and a cam. A biasing mechanism interacts with the weightless articulating door mount through the cam and provides a uniform force counteracting the weight of the door/monitor. With the door/monitor effectively weightless, the door may be opened and will remain in place absent any further disturbance.