Modular Pinball Flipper System with Variable Mass and Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pinball machines have limited customization options for flippers, which can hinder player performance and skill level matching, as flippers are typically permanently attached and lack variability in length and mass, restricting player customization and potential for handicap systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular flipper system with variable length and mass options, featuring a metal body with internal cavities for reduced mass and increased acceleration, and a connector system allowing removability and adjustability to fit different actuator shafts, along with interchangeable bumpers for customized play experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flippers are permanently attached to actuator shafts with fixed mass and length, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but player customization and performance optimization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flipper system is divided into separable components: the flipper body, the actuator shaft, and the connector assembly. This allows players to detach and replace flipper bodies with different mass and length characteristics while retaining the same actuator mechanism, thereby achieving customization without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized connector interface serves multiple functions: it mechanically attaches the flipper body to the actuator shaft, provides electrical connectivity for actuation signals, and enables quick replacement. This multi-functional design allows a single connector type to support various flipper configurations, enhancing adaptability while controlling complexity through component standardization.
2Force
If flipper mass is increased to provide greater striking force, then pinball propulsion capability is improved, but rotational acceleration speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows players to change the physical parameters of the flipper body, specifically mass and length, by selecting from multiple interchangeable flipper bodies. Each variant offers different trade-offs between striking force (related to mass) and rotational acceleration (affected by moment of inertia). Players can optimize these parameters based on their playing style and skill level.
3Force
If flipper length is extended to increase leverage and striking power, then mechanical advantage is improved, but rotational inertia increases reducing acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables players to adjust the length parameter of the flipper body by selecting from various lengths. Longer flippers provide greater leverage and striking power, while shorter flippers offer faster rotational acceleration. This parameter variability allows players to optimize the balance between leverage and acceleration according to their preferences and skill levels.
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
Enhances player performance by allowing customization of flippers based on skill level and machine compatibility, providing adjustable rotational speed and force, and enabling a handicap system for competitive play.
Implementation Method 1
actuated by a solenoid which imparts translation to a plunger rotationally connected to a clamp which is engaged to a shaft having a flipper thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A flipper system for retrofitting existing flippers of a pinball game which rotate in operative engagement with a solenoid, with new flippers. The new flippers have an opening which is removably engageable upon an engagement end of a rotatable actuator shaft and can include hollow cavities within a metal body of the new flipper. An improved connection to the existing solenoid is provided by inclusion of a actuator shaft and clamp with the system.