Electromagnet Protector Element Prevents Pinball Playfield Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnets in amusement game devices, such as pinball machines, cause wear on the wood playfield due to the ball's motion across the protruding magnet core and its edge, as the core's size affects magnetic flux density and ball capture efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnet assembly with a ferromagnetic magnet core and a non-ferromagnetic protector element, attached to form a larger diameter, flush surface, which includes a magnet connector assembly and mounting components to ensure optimal magnetic flux and prevent wood wear, using precision and molded components for adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the magnet core diameter is increased to provide a larger surface for ball capture, then the magnetic flux density decreases making it difficult to capture and hold the pinball, but if the magnet core diameter is decreased to maintain optimal magnetic flux density, then the surface area for ball capture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two distinct functional components: the magnet core (for generating magnetic flux) and the protector element (for providing mechanical support and ball interaction surface). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the magnet core maintains optimal dimensions for magnetic flux density while the protector element provides the necessary surface area for ball capture and interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector element acts as an intermediary between the magnet core and the pinball. It transfers the magnetic force from the core to the ball while providing a durable interaction surface. The protector element is positioned around the magnet core and extends to the playfield surface, serving as the primary contact point for the ball while the core remains optimized for magnetic performance.
2Reliability
If the magnet core protrudes from the playfield surface to provide direct contact with the pinball, then magnetic capture efficiency is improved, but the edge of the wood playfield board becomes susceptible to erosion and wear from ball motion
Solution Approach 1:
The protector element serves as a mediator between the magnet core and the pinball interaction. It is attached to the magnet core and extends to the playfield surface, providing a durable interface for ball contact. This protector element absorbs the wear and erosion from ball motion, protecting the wooden playfield board while maintaining the magnetic core's protrusion for effective capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector element is installed in advance to cushion and protect the magnet core and playfield board from wear. It is positioned around the magnet core before operation begins, creating a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the ball and the vulnerable wooden edges, thereby preventing erosion before it can occur.
3Reliability
If the magnet core is installed flush to the playfield surface to prevent ball skipping, then ball control is improved, but the edge of the hole in the playfield board remains vulnerable to wear from ball motion across the magnet core perimeter
Solution Approach 1:
The protector element acts as an intermediary structure that extends around the magnet core to the playfield surface. It provides a protective barrier at the perimeter where ball motion occurs, preventing wear on the wooden board edges while maintaining the flush installation of the magnet core for stable ball control.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector element functions as a protective shell or collar around the magnet core. This shell-like structure extends to the playfield surface and provides a durable interface that protects the underlying wooden structure from wear while allowing the magnet core to remain flush-mounted for optimal ball control.
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 solution provides a durable, wear-resistant surface for the ball to move on, maintaining optimal magnetic flux density and eliminating wood playfield wear around the electromagnet, ensuring smooth operation and extended device lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
an iron alloy magnet core that protrudes thru the surface of the wood playfield board... the energized magnet core can come in direct contact with the steel pinball
Implementation Method 2
the diameter of the magnet core be optimized around the dimensional parameters of the steel pinball as a magnet core that is either too small or too large adversely affects the magnetic flux density
Data Source
AI summary
A front cabinet panel piece, a back panel cabinet piece, a first side cabinet panel piece, and second side cabinet panel piece, each having a plurality of pre-formed openings, are arranged relative to one another to form an amusement game cabinet. The plurality of pre-formed openings are used to accept a corresponding plurality of knock-down hardware pieces each including a fastener locking component and a fastener. The fastener locking components are held within respective first ones of the pre-formed openings and the fastener is inserted into second ones of the pre-formed openings that are aligned with the first ones of the plurality of pre-formed openings. Each fastener is mated to its corresponding fastener locking component to complete assembly of the amusement game cabinet. The assembled amusement game cabinet is used to support a playfield and the playfield, in turn, is used to provide additional structural support to the amusement game cabinet.