Radial Vacuum Mechanism for Rotating Arcade Game Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional arcade games with rotating playing fields often require significant space due to arc-shaped pusher mechanisms, limiting the number of players that can play simultaneously, which restricts profitability and player engagement.
Innovation Solution
A radially aligned vacuum mechanism allows multiple players to play concurrently by enabling each player to control a vacuum device to remove prizes from a rotating playing field, with a motorized control system and pulley system ensuring efficient prize collection and automatic replacement, reducing the space required per player.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If arc-shaped pusher mechanisms are used to remove prizes from the rotating table, then the prize removal function is achieved, but the space required per player increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical arc-shaped pusher mechanism with a vacuum-based system. The vacuum cup (38) creates negative pressure to adhere to and remove prizes from the rotating table, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pushers and reducing the space required per player station.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles through the vacuum system. The vacuum pump (42) generates negative pressure that is transmitted through the vacuum cup (38) to capture and remove prizes from the rotating table, providing a space-efficient alternative to mechanical mechanisms.
2Productivity
If multiple players can play simultaneously, then the profitability and player engagement increase, but the space required for the game increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the game into multiple independent player stations (50) arranged around the rotating table. Each station has its own vacuum mechanism controlled by individual players, allowing simultaneous gameplay while maintaining a compact footprint through radial arrangement rather than requiring separate large areas for each player.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a linear or arc-based player arrangement to a radial/dimensional arrangement around the rotating table. Multiple players can stand or sit at different angular positions around the table, utilizing the vertical and radial dimensions rather than requiring extensive horizontal space for each player station.
3Area of stationary object
If the vacuum mechanism is used to remove prizes, then the space per player is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum mechanism serves multiple functions: it captures prizes from the rotating table, holds them during transport, and releases them at the player station. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical components for each stage of prize handling, simplifying the overall system despite the advanced vacuum technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system automatically adheres to and removes prizes without requiring manual intervention. The vacuum cup (38) self-activates when positioned over a prize, captures it through negative pressure, and transports it to the player area, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms and manual operation.
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
This design increases the number of players that can participate simultaneously, enhancing profitability and maintaining a constant number of prizes on the field, ensuring a fair and engaging experience while reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A radially aligned vacuum mechanism allows multiple players to play concurrently by enabling each player to control a vacuum device to remove prizes from a rotating playing field
Implementation Method 2
the pump is turned on, the unit moves to the other back stop. The vacuum cup then goes down into a tube holding reserve prizes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an arcade game with a rotating playing field and a radially projecting mechanism for moving targets located on the spinning mechanism board. Having the mechanism be radially projecting allows for more players by reducing the playing area that each player occupies. In a first embodiment, the player uses a vacuum mechanism. In another embodiment, the player uses a pusher to direct targets or prizes off the playing field in the radial direction. The pusher mechanism can push the targets toward the player (into a retrieval bin) or off the playing field at the center of the game. In a preferred embodiment, the game automatically replaces each displaced target with a new target so that the game always maintains the same number of targets on the playing field.