Rotatable Ball Momentum Transfer Assembly for Pinball Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pinball machines lack enhancements in their linear ball momentum transfer features, which restrict the complexity and variety of gameplay elements, leading to limited player interaction and engagement.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable ball momentum transfer assembly is introduced, comprising an impact ball anchored to the playfield and a rotatable travel ball mounted on a shaft, allowing for kinetic energy transfer and altering shot paths through rotation, thereby enhancing gameplay mechanics without requiring complex software control or traditional actuation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional linear ball momentum transfer features are used, then the device structure is simple, but the gameplay variety and player engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary linear momentum transfer feature into a dynamic rotatable assembly. The travel ball is mounted on a shaft that allows rotation, enabling the momentum transfer mechanism to change its orientation and create varied shot paths. This dynamic element adds gameplay variety without requiring complex software control or multiple static components, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex software control and traditional actuation mechanisms are used to enhance gameplay, then the gameplay variety increases, but the machine costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable ball momentum transfer assembly embodies the self-service principle by using the pinball's own kinetic energy to drive the rotation and momentum transfer mechanism. The impact ball transfers momentum to the travel ball, which then rotates and redirects the ball path without requiring external actuators, motors, or software control. This self-powered mechanism enhances gameplay variety while avoiding the costs and complexities associated with electronic control systems.
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
The rotatable ball momentum transfer assembly increases gameplay variety by dynamically changing shot paths, reducing software complexity and machine costs, while providing a more engaging player experience through the harnessing of pinball kinetic energy.
Implementation Method 1
A rotatable ball momentum transfer assembly is introduced, comprising an impact ball anchored to the playfield and a rotatable travel ball mounted on a shaft, allowing for kinetic energy transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable ball momentum transfer assembly for an amusement gam, such as a pinball machine includes an impact ball mounted to an inclined playfield and a shaft mounted to the playfield proximate to the impact ball. A travel ball is coupled to the shaft such that the travel ball rests against the impact ball during gameplay to receive momentum from the impact ball when the impact ball is struck by a game ball, causing the travel ball to at least partially rotate about the shaft. In one example, the travel ball rotates in a fixed arc towards one of two resting positions on either side of the impact ball. These two resting positions both open or close different shot paths available during gameplay.