HDPE Thermoformed Bowling Pin Storage Bin With Support Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bowling pin storage bins made from sheet steel and plastic via rotational molding lack adequate impact resistance and suffer from premature material fatigue, and their geometries are not optimized for efficient pin reception and storage.
Innovation Solution
A bowling pin storage bin made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) using the thermoforming process, which provides increased impact resistance and efficient pin reception through a unique geometry design, including steeply inclined interior surfaces and functional projections, and is mounted on a support frame for enhanced stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sheet steel or rotationally molded plastic is used for the storage bin, then the bin can be manufactured with simple processes, but the bin suffers from inadequate impact resistance and premature material fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting HDPE with specific density (0.93-0.97 g/cm³) and molecular weight characteristics, and changes the manufacturing process parameters by using thermoforming at controlled temperatures to achieve optimal material properties that provide both impact resistance and fatigue resistance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining HDPE material with a support frame assembly, where the frame provides additional structural reinforcement. This composite approach allows the bin to achieve high impact resistance and fatigue resistance while still using a relatively simple thermoforming process for the main bin body
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional bin geometry is used, then the bin is easy to manufacture, but pin reception and storage efficiency is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific geometric features in critical areas of the bin: steeply inclined interior surfaces (at angles of 45-60 degrees) in the pin reception area to facilitate rapid pin settlement, and functional projections positioned strategically to guide pin distribution. These localized geometric modifications optimize pin handling efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire bin geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved surfaces, specifically steeply inclined interior surfaces with controlled curvature, to guide pins smoothly into the storage cavities. The curved geometry eliminates sharp corners that could cause pin jamming, while maintaining manufacturability through standard thermoforming processes
3Device complexity
If the bin structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but structural integrity under repeated impacts is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bin structure into distinct functional components: the main HDPE bin body with integrated storage cavities, a separate support frame assembly, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the bin body for pin storage functionality and the frame for structural strength - while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each part
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates the support frame assembly as a pre-designed structural reinforcement system that is attached to the bin body before use. This frame acts as a cushioning and reinforcement structure that absorbs and distributes impact forces, protecting the HDPE bin body from damage while maintaining the overall simplicity of the bin structure
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 HDPE thermoformed bin achieves extended use cycles without damage, maintains structural integrity under repeated impacts, and ensures rapid pin settlement and distribution, improving the efficiency and reliability of the pin spotting apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) using the thermoforming process, which provides increased impact resistance
Implementation Method 2
made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) using the thermoforming process
Implementation Method 3
including steeply inclined interior surfaces and functional projections, and is mounted on a support frame for enhanced stiffness
Data Source
AI summary
A bowling pin storage bin assembly for use as part of a bowling pin delivery system of a pinspotter apparatus, as well as a method of manufacturing such bin. The storage bin is molded as a one-piece article having a plurality of cavities or pockets for storing bowling pins in an essentially horizontal plane above a pin spotter and for delivering the pins to a plurality of pin cups or a pin spotter for spotting on a pin deck.