Bowling Ramp with Embedded Lighting and Sound
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bowling ball ramps lack aesthetics and additional functionality to enhance the entertainment experience for children and handicapped individuals, who require assistance in aiming and launching a bowling ball, and current solutions like side rails can diminish the skill element of the game.
Innovation Solution
A bowling ball ramp with an elevated starting position and embedded electronics for providing illumination and sound, using transparent PVC materials and a detection sensor to activate LED lighting and audio elements, enhancing the user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If side rails are used to prevent improperly aimed bowling balls from entering the gutter, then the bowling ball is protected from going into the gutter, but the skill element of the game is eliminated and luck is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The side rails are segmented into multiple sections with gaps between them, allowing the bowling ball to pass through the gaps while still being guided along the lane. This segmentation maintains the protective function while preserving the skill element by requiring precise ball placement and control.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent or translucent barrier material is introduced as an intermediary between the ball and the gutter. This intermediary provides guidance and protection while being visually transparent to maintain the aesthetic appearance and not interfere with the player's perception of the lane.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing metal bowling ramps are used, then the structural function is provided, but aesthetics and entertainment functionality are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp structure is designed to serve multiple functions: providing structural support for the ball, delivering the ball to the lane with proper velocity and direction, and enhancing the entertainment experience through integrated lighting and sound systems. This multi-functionality addresses both the structural requirements and the entertainment needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp is constructed using composite materials that combine structural integrity with aesthetic appeal. The use of translucent or transparent materials allows the ramp to provide necessary structural function while maintaining visual appeal and allowing lighting effects to pass through, creating an entertaining atmosphere.
3Adaptability or versatility
If illumination and sound systems are added to enhance entertainment experience, then the atmosphere is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting and sound systems are merged with the ramp structure itself, with lights embedded in the ramp and speakers integrated into the same structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system while still providing the enhanced entertainment experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system is designed to automatically detect when a bowling ball is approaching and activate the lighting and sound effects without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by sensing the ball's presence and triggering the appropriate entertainment effects, reducing the need for complex control systems.
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 ramp facilitates accurate ball launching while providing an engaging atmosphere with embedded lighting and sound, maintaining the skill element of bowling and enhancing enjoyment for users and spectators.
Implementation Method 1
using transparent PVC materials and a detection sensor to activate LED lighting and audio elements
Implementation Method 2
embedded electronics for providing illumination and sound, using transparent PVC materials and a detection sensor to activate LED lighting
Data Source
AI summary
A bowling ball ramp includes a substantially transparent, generally hollow, tubular stand assembly, a substantially transparent, generally hollow, tubular ramp assembly structurally coupled to the stand assembly, and lighting embedded within at least one of the stand assembly and the ramp assembly. A detection sensor is provided for detecting a bowling ball on the ramp assembly. Electronics activate the lighting to illuminate the stand assembly and/or the ramp assembly in response to the detection sensor detecting the bowling ball on the ramp assembly. The electronics may also activate an audio speaker to produce an audible sound in response to the detection sensor detecting the bowling ball on the ramp assembly. The embedded lighting and/or the audible sound enhance the enjoyment of a bowling experience for a child or handicapped individual using the bowling ball ramp.