Bowling Pin Setter Mechanism Simplified Conveyor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bowling pin setter mechanisms are complex, costly to maintain, and require extensive expertise for repairs, with many moving and powered parts that can malfunction or break down, making them expensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A simplified bowling pin setter mechanism with a continuous band lift assembly, a pin collecting mechanism, and a combined spot and re-spotting assembly that uses fewer moving and powered parts, including a break beam sensor for safety, to reduce maintenance and operational costs while maintaining functionality for regulation and miniature bowling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bowling pin setter mechanisms are used, then pin setting functionality is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pin setter mechanism is divided into independent functional modules: a conveyor system with discrete pick-up positions, a pin deposit mechanism with separate positioning components, and a control system with individual sensors. This segmentation allows each module to be maintained independently without shutting down the entire system, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt serves multiple functions: transporting pins from the approach area, positioning pins at different pick-up locations, and facilitating pin return. The same basic structure performs what would traditionally require multiple separate mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable pin handling.
2Productivity
If traditional pin setting mechanisms with many moving parts are used, then pin handling capability is maintained, but maintenance cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses gravity-fed pin delivery and passive positioning features that require minimal active control. Pins are automatically guided and positioned by the conveyor geometry and fixed guides rather than requiring powered actuators for each positioning action, reducing maintenance needs while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses simple, replaceable components such as the conveyor belt and basic mechanical pick-up deposits. These components are designed to be inexpensive and easily replaceable, reducing maintenance costs and operational complexity while maintaining continuous pin setting capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex powered mechanisms are used for pin lifting and spotting, then pin placement precision is achieved, but manufacturing cost and maintenance expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is designed to move pins along a level path with minimal elevation changes, using gravity and friction rather than powered lifting mechanisms. Pin placement precision is achieved through horizontal positioning on the conveyor and controlled deposit geometry rather than complex vertical positioning systems, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism replaces complex powered spotting mechanisms with a simplified conveyor-based transport system. Pin placement is achieved through the conveyor's geometric design and passive mechanical guides rather than powered actuators, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining placement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A bowling pin setter mechanism comprising a vertically-arranged lift assembly and a combined spot and re-spotting assembly. The latter includes a top member including a chute, the top member configured to move in a top plane; a bottom member including a bottom opening having an area of a first size and a support plate disposed adjacent the bottom opening, the bottom member disposed in a bottom plane; a middle member including a middle opening and a channel extending from the middle opening at a neck area, the middle member disposed between the top member and the bottom member, the middle member configured to move in a middle plane parallel to the top plane and the bottom plane; and an actuator configured for lowering and raising an aggregate group of said top, middle and bottom members.