Bowling Bumper Rail Actuation via Gravity Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bowling bumper systems lack a reliable and efficient mechanism to move bumpers into extended or retracted positions, particularly in a decoupled manner, which can interfere with bowling operations and require manual intervention or complex installations.
Innovation Solution
A bowling bumper system utilizing an electrical linear actuator mounted between stringers under the bowling lane, with decoupled brackets that operate in unison via a shaft, allowing the bumper rail to be retracted by its own weight and extended by the actuator, and a control system to manage operations, including a limit switch for safety and automatic deactivation during non-operating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the bumper rail is mechanically coupled to the actuator for extension, then the extension force is sufficient, but the retraction requires additional mechanical complexity and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper system separates the extension and retraction functions into independent mechanisms: the actuator provides extension force through mechanical coupling, while retraction is achieved through gravity acting on the decoupled bumper rail. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for a complex bidirectional mechanical coupling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gravity as a counterweight mechanism where the weight of the bumper rail itself provides the retraction force. When decoupled from the actuator, the bumper rail naturally returns to its retracted position under gravitational influence, eliminating the need for additional motors or complex mechanical retraction mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the bumper system is always extended for safety, then user safety is improved, but interference with normal bowling operations occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper system transitions from a static always-extended design to a dynamic system that adjusts its state based on operational needs. The bumper rail can be extended when safety is prioritized (e.g., during setup or special events) and retracted during normal bowling operations, allowing the system to adapt its configuration to different operational contexts and eliminate interference with ball travel.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex mechanical system is used for bumper movement, then positioning precision is improved, but installation and retrofitting become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the complex positioning mechanism from the bumper rail itself and places it in the form of a separate actuator mounted to the lane structure. The bumper rail is simplified to a passive component that is either extended or retracted, making it easier to manufacture and install. The actuator handles all complex movements while the bumper rail focuses solely on providing the protective function.
4Measurement precision
If the actuator remains coupled to the bumper rail during retraction, then control precision is maintained, but the retraction mechanism requires additional force and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic coupling and decoupling actions: the actuator couples to the bumper rail for extension, provides the necessary force, then decouples to allow gravity-based retraction. This periodic engagement and disengagement eliminates the need for continuous mechanical coupling during the full cycle, reducing the force requirements and simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining control precision during the active extension phase.
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
Enables seamless retraction and extension of bumper rails without mechanical coupling, ensuring safe operation by avoiding interference with bowling balls and allowing easy retrofitting into existing lanes, enhancing user safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is an electrical linear actuator
Implementation Method 2
lowering or retracting a bumper rail of a bumper system solely by its own weight
Data Source
AI summary
A bowling bumper system is provided. The bowling bumper system and more particularly an actuator or actuator assembly is decoupled from the bumpers, themselves, and configured to move the bumpers into an extended or retracted position.