Convertible Game Table with Removable Rod Bushings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination game tables for table soccer and air hockey are complex, costly, and limited in size and usability, often requiring separate dedicated surfaces and excessive structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A game table design that allows easy conversion between table soccer and air hockey configurations using a bushing structure for removable soccer player rods and a novel game playing piece that floats on an air cushion, enabling combined game play with soccer player rods striking a hockey puck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If combination game tables are designed with separate dedicated surfaces for soccer and hockey, then the table can support both games, but the structural complexity and cost increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into functional modules: a removable rod assembly for soccer, a perforated surface module for air hockey, and a shared frame structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall complexity by avoiding redundant structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The table frame and playing surface are designed to support multiple functions: the same table can accommodate soccer rods, air hockey pucks, or hybrid gameplay. The perforated surface serves both as an air hockey playing surface and as a soccer table surface when rods are installed, eliminating the need for separate dedicated surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If combination game tables use multi-game tables with stackable modules, then both games can be played, but the table size and usability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges soccer and air hockey capabilities into a single integrated table structure rather than using separate tables or stackable modules. The rod assembly integrates directly with the table frame, and the perforated surface is built into the table top, creating a compact unified structure that supports both games without requiring additional space.
3Ease of operation
If soccer player rods are made removable for configuration conversion, then the table can switch between games easily, but the bushing structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod removal mechanism is extracted as a separate, simple bushing assembly that can be independently installed and removed. This allows the rods to be easily taken out for configuration conversion without requiring complex disassembly of the entire table structure. The bushing serves as a simple interface that enables rod removal while minimizing structural complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a novel game playing piece combines hockey puck and soccer player features, then hybrid gameplay is enabled, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The playing piece incorporates local quality variations: a smooth bottom surface for gliding on the perforated table surface, and a top surface with features for interaction with soccer rods. The piece has different functional zones - the bottom for air cushion interaction, the middle for structural integrity, and the top for rod engagement - allowing complex functionality to be achieved through simple geometric variations rather than complex manufacturing.
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 design provides a versatile, space-efficient, and user-friendly game table that can seamlessly switch between soccer and hockey modes, enhancing playability and durability while maintaining a compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
air is pumped through an array of holes defined in the game surface. A disc-shaped hockey puck piece floats or glides over the game surface on an air cushion created by the air jets through the game surface
Data Source
AI summary
A game table is illustrates as a combination of the game of table soccer (also called foosball) and air hockey. The game table can be easily converted between a soccer game configuration and an air hockey configuration. In one aspect, the sidewalls of the game table incorporate at least one bushing structure allowing each rod to be selectively disengaged. In certain aspects the game table can be used to play a game using soccer player rods and figures and using a playing piece which floats on an air cushion. In certain embodiments, an asymmetric game playing piece may be used.