Omnidirectional Pinball Target Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement game targets are limited in detecting hits from a pinball based on the direction of impact, and they often require multiple components that can wear out over time.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional target assembly with a target post mounted beneath the playfield, featuring a centering device and biasing element that allows the post to pivot about a fulcrum, ensuring detection of hits from any direction and minimizing component wear by locating most components below the playfield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional pinball standup target is used with a vertically positioned spot target and switch above the playfield, then the target can detect hits from a specific direction, but it cannot detect hits from other directions and requires multiple components that increase complexity and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional target design by mounting the target post below the playfield rather than above it. The target post extends upward through the playfield, with the sensing switch positioned below to detect when the post moves from its neutral position. This inversion allows a single omnidirectional target to detect hits from any direction, eliminating the need for multiple directional targets while reducing component complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The target post is designed as a universal sensing element that can detect impacts from any direction (360-degree coverage). Instead of having separate targets for different directions, a single target post with a neutral position can be pushed in any direction, and the sensing switch below detects the movement regardless of which direction the push comes from. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized targets with one universal target
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple target surfaces and support members are used to provide omnidirectional detection capability, then hit detection from any direction is possible, but the number of components increases and component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the target post and sensing switch below the playfield, inverting the traditional above-playfield target design. This placement reduces the number of components exposed to ball impacts and wear, while the target post itself acts as a simple lever that pivots on a fulcrum point, requiring minimal components to achieve omnidirectional detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensing function from multiple separate target surfaces and consolidates it into a single target post with a neutral position. The sensing switch below the playfield detects the post's movement from its neutral position regardless of direction, eliminating the need for multiple target surfaces and support members that would otherwise be required to provide omnidirectional detection
3Ease of repair
If target components are positioned above the playfield for easy access, then maintenance and adjustment are easier, but component wear from ball contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional target placement by positioning the target post and sensing switch below the playfield. This placement protects the sensitive sensing components from direct ball contact and wear, while the target post itself serves as a durable lever that can be easily accessed from above the playfield for maintenance and adjustment
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 omnidirectional target assembly effectively detects pinball hits from any direction while reducing component wear and complexity, enhancing gameplay experience.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing element coupled to the centering device biases the target post into a rest position and returns the impacted target lever towards the rest position after impact by the ball
Implementation Method 2
A centering device is mounted to the target post between a first end of the target post and a second end of the target post and a centerplate secures the target post to the underside of the playfield, wherein the centerplate and the centering device form a fulcrum for the target post to pivot as a lever
Data Source
AI summary
A target assembly includes a target post mounted to an underside of a playfield and sized to extend through an opening in the playfield. A centering device is mounted to the target post between a first end of the target post and a second end of the target post and a centering plate secures the target post to the underside of the playfield, wherein the centerplate and the centering device form a fulcrum for the target post to pivot as a lever. Impact of a ball with any portion of the target post, and in any direction, above the playfield causes the target post to pivot about the fulcrum, where a sensing switch senses the target post movement. A biasing element coupled to the centering device biases the target post into a rest position and returns the impacted target lever towards the rest position after impact by the ball.