Pop-out Target Illumination Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional target hitting game machines lack visual appeal as targets are not illuminated when they pop out, and they do not simulate the dynamic movement of targets being hit, as they consistently maintain the same height level upon being struck.
Innovation Solution
A game machine design featuring a cabinet with a supporting rod and drive mechanism that moves targets up and down, incorporating a lighting device within a light-transmissive target that is illuminated when it pops out of its hole and retracts back in when the rod moves down, providing a more engaging visual experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If targets are illuminated when they pop out, then visual appeal and player engagement are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for lighting mechanisms and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The target assembly is designed to be dynamically movable between a retracted position (when not in use) and a popped-out position (when active). The rod can rotate to move the target between these positions, allowing the lighting device to be positioned only when needed, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining illumination capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device is pre-positioned within the target assembly structure, ready to be activated immediately when the target pops out. The control system is pre-configured to automatically illuminate the target when it transitions to the popped-out position, eliminating the need for complex real-time detection and response mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If targets maintain the same height level when hit, then structural simplicity is preserved, but visual appeal and realism are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The target assembly incorporates dynamic movement capability through the rotatable rod mechanism. When the target is hit, it can rotate to a different position, creating dynamic visual movement that enhances appeal while the overall structure remains relatively simple. The lighting device also dynamically positions itself with the target movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device provides dynamic illumination that changes the visual appearance of the target. By illuminating the target when it pops out and potentially changing its appearance through lighting effects, the system creates visual appeal without requiring complex mechanical movements of the target itself.
3Illumination intensity
If targets are hidden in holes and lighted up when popped out, then visual engagement is improved, but detection and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is pre-programmed with the expected positions and movements of the targets. When a target pops out, the system already has the information needed to activate the lighting device, eliminating the need for complex real-time detection mechanisms. The rod's rotation to different positions is pre-determined and controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod acts as an intermediary element that connects the control system to the target and lighting device. By controlling the rod's rotation to specific positions, the system can reliably position the target and activate the lighting device without needing complex direct detection of target positions.
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 engagement with illuminated targets that simulate realistic movement, creating a more immersive and visually appealing experience by combining dynamic target movement with lighting effects.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting device has a light source and an electric wire extending from the light source. The light source is seated on the retaining base; and the electric wire extends through both of the aperture in the retaining base and the first bore in the rod.
Implementation Method 2
The target is made of a light-transmissive material and has a receptacle such that the retaining base together with the lighting device is housed in the receptacle of the target.
Data Source
AI summary
A game machine includes a cabinet, a supporting rod disposed in the cabinet, a retaining base secured on top of the rod, a lighting device disposed on the retaining device, and a drive mechanism disposed in the cabinet. The rod defines a bore therein. The retaining base defines an aperture in communication with the bore in the rod. The lighting device has its electric wire extending through both of the aperture in the retaining base and the bore in the rod. The target is made of a light-transmissive material. The retaining base and the lighting device are housed in a receptacle of the target. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the rod to move up to have the target pop out of a hole in a table of the cabinet.