Bowling Lane Shield With Resilient Lower Strip Brush
Solution Overview
Problem
Bowling lane shields made of materials like plastic or wood are prone to wear and fatigue from impacts by bowling balls, and existing designs do not effectively manage ball passage without causing damage or visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A shield assembly with a lower strip brush composed of resilient and flexible material, such as nylon bristles or rubber strips, that allows bowling balls to pass through while blocking the view of the pindeck area and minimizing energy transfer to the frame, using the pinspotter mechanism for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shield panel is constructed of plastic or wood to block the bowler's view of the pindeck area, then the shielding function is achieved, but the panel is subject to wear and fatigue from bowling ball impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing the rigid plastic or wood panel with a flexible strip brush constructed of resilient material. The brush allows the shield to absorb ball impacts through flexing rather than rigid resistance, eliminating wear and fatigue while maintaining the blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties from rigid (plastic/wood) to flexible (resilient brush material). This parameter change allows the shield to dynamically respond to impacts, transforming from a static structure subject to fatigue to a flexible system that dissipates energy through deformation.
2Reliability
If a rigid shield panel is used to block the view of the pindeck area, then the shielding function is achieved, but it causes material fatigue and potential failure from repeated ball impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid panel is replaced with a flexible strip brush that can bend and flex under ball impacts. This flexibility prevents the accumulation of stress and fatigue that would lead to material failure, while the brush bristles maintain the visual blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient brush material acts as a cushioning element that absorbs impact energy before it can transfer to the frame structure. This beforehand cushioning prevents the repeated stress cycles that cause fatigue failure in rigid panels.
3Reliability
If a solid shield material is used to block the bowler's view, then the blocking function is achieved, but it transfers significant energy to the frame upon ball impact
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible brush construction allows the shield to absorb and dissipate impact energy through the flexing and compression of bristles, rather than transferring rigid impact forces to the frame. The brush deforms to accommodate the ball passage, reducing energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The strip brush acts as an intermediary element between the bowling ball and the frame structure. It mediates the impact by absorbing and dissipating energy through its resilient material properties, preventing direct energy transfer to the frame.
4Ease of operation
If a flexible material is used for the lower strip of the shield, then ball passage is facilitated with reduced energy transfer, but the material must be resilient enough to return to position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects material with specific resilient properties that allow temporary deformation during ball passage while ensuring automatic recovery to the original position. This parameter optimization balances flexibility for ball passage with structural stability for continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system that can adapt its shape during ball passage. The resilient material dynamically deforms to allow ball passage and then automatically returns to its original configuration, maintaining operational stability.
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 shield assembly prevents material fatigue and damage, maintains aesthetic integrity, and ensures clear visibility by not obstructing the pindeck illumination, while allowing balls to pass without significant energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a strip brush extending from the bottom edge of the panel and which comprises a material that allows a bowling ball to pass therethrough and which is returnable to its original position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a shield for use on a bowling lane and, more particularly, to a shield assembly with a lower strip brush and methods of use. The shield assembly includes: a frame having at least one frame member; a panel mounted to the at least one frame member; and a strip brush extending from the bottom of the panel and which comprises a material that allows a bowling ball to pass therethrough and which is returnable to its original position.