Retractable Plank Game Board for Adjustable Skill Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current yard games with boards and holes for scoring require precise throwing and are limited in adaptability for varying player skills and environments, lacking versatility in gameplay and storage.
Innovation Solution
A game board with a fixed or retractable plank and color-coded top panel for scoring points, allowing for adjustable difficulty and gameplay in various settings, including indoors and outdoors, and even on water, with options for different materials and configurations to enhance gameplay experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hole is used for scoring in traditional yard games, then the game requires precise throwing skills, but the game becomes limited in adaptability for varying player skills and environments
Solution Approach 1:
The plank is made retractable rather than fixed, allowing the game setup to be dynamically adjusted. The plank can be extended to create a larger target area for less skilled players or retracted to increase difficulty, providing adaptability for varying skill levels while maintaining the same basic game structure
Solution Approach 2:
The target configuration is changed from a fixed hole to a variable plank position system. By changing the parameter of target size and position, the game can accommodate different throwing distances and skill levels, making it more adaptable to various player abilities and environmental conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable plank is added to the game board, then the versatility and adaptability of the game increases, but the device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plank is designed to nest within or attach to the game board structure when not in use. This nesting approach allows the retractable plank mechanism to be stored compactly, reducing storage space requirements while maintaining the extended functionality during gameplay
Solution Approach 2:
The game board is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used with the plank extended for target practice, retracted for different game variations, and the entire structure can be disassembled for compact storage. This multi-functionality increases versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
3Ease of operation
If the top panel is angled to help projectiles stay on the board, then the ease of keeping projectiles on board improves, but the stability and manufacturing complexity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The top panel is designed with an asymmetric angle rather than being perfectly flat or uniformly tilted. This asymmetric angling creates optimal conditions for projectiles to naturally settle and remain on the board without requiring excessive tilt that would compromise structural stability
Data Source
AI summary
A game board including a top panel and a plank and a game that comprises one or more of the game boards. A plank extends from the back end of the game board. The top surface of the game board is flat and includes a surrounding area and one or more target areas. A projectile comprising a weighted ball is thrown by players onto the top panel or plank surface. A method for playing the game involves two to four players who will throw or roll the balls to land on the desired location of the top panel or plank area to score points toward winning the game. The game includes multiple rounds.