Ring Toss Hook Capture With Automatic Ring Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring toss games face challenges in quickly and accurately removing the ring from the hook without moving the hook, and electronic scoring systems struggle to differentiate between actual captures and mere collisions, which can lead to unfair play.
Innovation Solution
A ring toss game apparatus with a hook that generates a control signal upon capture, activating a mechanism to automatically remove the ring and include an electronic scoring system that verifies capture through conductive elements, optical switches, or resistance changes to ensure accurate scoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a gravity-based system is used to remove the ring from the hook, then the ring can be removed automatically, but the hook must move during the removal event which complicates the structure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the hook to remove the ring, the patent inverts the approach by moving the ring away from the stationary hook. The ring is attached to a carriage that travels along a rail, and when a score is achieved, the carriage is retracted, automatically removing the ring from the hook without requiring the hook itself to move.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a carriage as an intermediary between the hook and the ring. The carriage holds the ring and travels along a rail, serving as a mediator that enables automatic ring removal while keeping the hook stationary. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by decoupling the ring removal function from the hook structure.
2Extent of automation
If electronic scoring systems are used to tally scores, then scoring can be automated, but it is difficult to determine whether an actual capture event has occurred or if the ring has merely made contact with the hook
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that provide feedback to the electronic scoring system. When the ring is captured by the hook, the sensor detects this event and sends a signal to the scoring system to register a point. This feedback mechanism ensures that only actual capture events are recorded, preventing false scoring from mere contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual scoring with an electronic scoring system that uses sensors to detect capture events. This substitution of mechanical scoring with electronic detection improves accuracy and automation, allowing the system to reliably distinguish between actual captures and mere contact through electronic sensing rather than manual judgment.
3Productivity
If players can repeat capture events immediately after each other, then scoring can be maximized, but unscrupulous players can exploit this to tally scores unfairly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a timing mechanism that enforces periodic action between capture events. After the ring is removed from the hook, the system waits for a predetermined time period before allowing the next capture attempt. This periodic restriction prevents players from exploiting rapid repeated captures while still maintaining a high scoring pace, ensuring fair play through time-based control.
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 game pace by allowing rapid ring removal without manual intervention and ensures fair play by accurately tallying scores, deterring unscrupulous behavior.
Implementation Method 1
a ring, tethered for pendulous movement, is manually guided toward a wall-mounted hook for capture by the hook
Implementation Method 2
the ring to drop free of the hook and swing back toward a user under the influence of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A ring toss game apparatus including a ring; a line suspending the ring from a support for manually induced movement of the ring; a housing for mounted disposition a predetermined length away from the ring; a hook mounted to the housing for ring capture through the hook opening; means for providing a control signal responsive to the hook operatively capturing the ring; and means for engaging the ring and moving the ring off the hook wherein games may be played by urging the ring toward the hook with the objective of each iteration being operative engagement of the ring with the hook, resulting in operation of the means for engaging the ring and moving the ring off the hook, thereby allowing another attempt at hook engagement without the player having to approach the hook and manually remove the ring.