Portable Bowling System with Adjustable Pins and Ball
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bowling systems are costly, complex, and require players to travel to facilities, while portable systems often fail to adapt to uneven outdoor environments and lack adjustable bowling ball sizes for different players.
Innovation Solution
A portable bowling system with a frame and hanging bowling pins connected via magnets, suction cups, vacuums, strings, or claws, allowing play on uneven surfaces, and a bowling ball with adjustable finger holes to accommodate various hand sizes, eliminating the need for multiple balls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bowling systems are used, then bowling can be played, but players must travel to facilities and incur high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The bowling system is divided into portable, modular components including a collapsible frame, detachable pins, and a separate ball, allowing the entire system to be transported and assembled at home or other locations, eliminating the need to travel to dedicated bowling facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions bowling from a facility-based activity to a home-based activity by changing the spatial dimension of play, allowing bowling to be performed in previously unsuitable environments through portable equipment that can be assembled in limited spaces
2Reliability
If traditional bowling systems are used, then standard bowling can be played, but equipment is costly and complex to manufacture, install, and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The portable system uses simplified, less expensive materials and construction methods compared to traditional bowling equipment, accepting that the equipment may have shorter durability but significantly reducing manufacturing costs and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates collapsible and adjustable components that can be easily assembled and disassembled, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional reliability during use
3Adaptability or versatility
If portable bowling systems are used, then play at desired location is enabled, but systems are ill-adapted for uneven outdoor surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable legs are configured to be set before play begins, allowing the user to pre-adjust the frame height and angle to compensate for uneven outdoor surfaces, ensuring stable pin placement before the bowling action commences
Solution Approach 2:
The frame includes adjustable and flexible components that can be dynamically configured to match the specific terrain conditions of different locations, whether indoor or outdoor surfaces
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size bowling balls are used, then standard bowling can be played, but various sized balls are needed for various sized players
Solution Approach 1:
The bowling ball features adjustable finger holes that can be repositioned or resized to accommodate different hand sizes and bowling styles, allowing a single ball to serve multiple players with varying physical characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The bowling ball is designed with universal adaptability through adjustable components, enabling one ball to function for multiple players of different sizes rather than requiring separate balls for each player
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
Enables portable, cost-effective, and adaptable bowling on various surfaces, including outdoors, with adjustable bowling pins and balls, enhancing player accessibility and reducing equipment costs.
Implementation Method 1
The suction cup may have a pin end configured to hold the pin against the pin arm by use of a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
The magnet may have a pin end configured to hold the pin against the pin arm by use of magnetism
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable bowling system and method of use thereof. The portable bowling system may have a frame from which bowling pins are suspended above a playing surface. The playing surface may be an uneven playing surface. A ball catcher may also be configured on the playing surface whereby the frame is configured between the ball catcher and a player. A player may insert their thumb into a thumb hole of a bowling ball and two of their fingers into finger holes of the bowling ball. The player may roll the bowling ball towards the frame whereby the bowling ball contacts one or more of the bowling pins. The bowling pins may fall to the playing surface. The bowling ball may pass beyond the frame and be stopped within the ball catcher.