Pinball Machine Cover Shells for Compact Transport Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pinball machines are challenging to transport and store due to their heavy, bulky, and delicate nature, leading to damage from handling and environmental factors, with existing protective methods being cumbersome and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A cover apparatus and system comprising shells with fastening mechanisms to securely enclose and protect pinball machines, including a method for covering upper and lower cabinets, which can be folded together for space-saving storage and transportation, using straps and fastening mechanisms like hook-and-loop fasteners to secure the cabinets and protect against environmental hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional protective coverings (cardboard, towels, blankets) are used with tape or shrink wrap, then the cabinet surfaces are protected, but the process becomes cumbersome and the coverings easily slip and move out of place
Solution Approach 1:
The protective covering is divided into multiple segments: a first shell for the upper cabinet, a second shell for the lower cabinet, and intermediate shells for sides and back. Each shell is independently positioned and secured, allowing for reliable protection without requiring complex wrapping processes. The segmentation enables each component to be precisely fitted to its corresponding cabinet portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The shells are pre-configured with opening covers and fastening mechanisms before use. The opening covers are pre-attached to the shells, and the fastening mechanisms are pre-installed, allowing the operator to simply attach the shells to the cabinets without complex assembly during the packaging process. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for tape or shrink wrap application during actual packaging.
2Reliability
If comprehensive protective wrapping is applied to the entire cabinet surface, then protection is improved, but the process becomes time consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of wrapping the entire cabinet as one continuous process, the protection system segments the cabinet into upper and lower portions, each covered by separate shells. This segmentation allows parallel processing and reduces the sequential time required for comprehensive protection, significantly improving packaging productivity while maintaining full surface coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shells are designed to be self-contained units with integrated opening covers and fastening mechanisms. Once attached to the cabinets, they automatically secure themselves without requiring continuous operator intervention for wrapping or taping. This self-service characteristic enables rapid deployment and maintains high productivity.
3Volume of moving object
If the upper cabinet is folded down onto the lower cabinet for compact storage, then space efficiency is improved, but the cabinets may shift or damage each other during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate shells positioned between the upper and lower cabinets provide cushioning and structural support before the cabinets are folded together. These shells prevent direct contact between cabinet surfaces that could cause damage, and they maintain the relative positioning of the cabinets, ensuring stability during transport even in the folded configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The shells are designed with sufficient flexibility to accommodate the folded cabinet configuration while maintaining their protective function. The shells can conform to the changed geometry when cabinets are folded together, providing continuous protection and stability without rigid constraints that would prevent compact storage.
4Reliability
If adhesive materials like tape are used to secure protective coverings, then the coverings stay in place, but adhesive may contact and damage the cabinet surface
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful adhesive material is completely extracted from the system. Instead of using tape or shrink wrap that require adhesives, the invention uses mechanical fastening mechanisms (such as clips, latches, or interlocking features) that secure the shells to the cabinets without any adhesive contact. This extraction eliminates the risk of surface damage while maintaining reliable covering retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The shells act as intermediary protective layers between the operator's securing actions and the cabinet surfaces. The fastening mechanisms attach to the shells rather than directly to the cabinets, creating a buffer zone that prevents any potential damage to the cabinet surfaces while still providing secure retention of the protective coverings.
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 secure, space-efficient storage and transportation of pinball machines, preserving their condition and value by effectively protecting against damage and environmental factors, while allowing for easy handling and storage of the machines.
Implementation Method 1
using straps and fastening mechanisms like hook-and-loop fasteners to ensure secure attachment without damaging the cabinets
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems and methods for covering a pinball machine. Some systems may include a first shell configured to receive and cover an upper cabinet of a pinball machine. The first shell may include a first-shell fastening apparatus configured to secure the upper cabinet within the first shell. Some systems may include a second shell configured to receive and cover an upper cabinet and a lower cabinet of a pinball machine. The upper cabinet may be folded on top of the lower cabinet and secured to the lower cabinet using a cabinet fastening apparatus. The second shell may include a second-shell fastening apparatus configured to secure the upper and lower cabinet within the second shell.