Rotating Container Scoring Mechanism for Portable Game
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bowling is not portable and requires significant space and weight, lacking a convenient and skill-based alternative that incorporates rotating containers for scoring.
Innovation Solution
A portable game featuring a playing surface with rotatably connected containers that automatically switch between scoring and closed positions based on the presence or absence of a game piece, surrounded by border rails and incorporating ramp portions and bumper holders for enhanced gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bowling is used, then the game provides skill and accuracy challenge, but it requires significant space and weight making it non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The game is divided into separate modular components: a lightweight playing surface with containers, border rails, and game pieces that can be easily transported and assembled. The containers are segmented as individual rotatable units that can be independently positioned and rotated, reducing overall weight while maintaining gameplay functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The containers are designed to be dynamically rotatable between scoring and closed positions, allowing the same structure to serve multiple functions. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for separate scoring mechanisms and stationary containers, reducing weight and improving portability while maintaining the skill challenge.
2Ease of operation
If containers are made rotatable between scoring and closed positions, then the game becomes more portable and lighter, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The containers are designed to automatically rotate between scoring and closed positions based on the presence or absence of game pieces. The rotation mechanism is self-actuating through gravitational force and the arrangement of fins and protrusions, eliminating the need for external motors, sensors, or complex control systems. This self-service approach maintains portability while avoiding additional mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism replaces complex mechanical systems with simple gravitational and geometric principles. The fins and protrusions work together with gravity to automatically rotate containers, substituting what could have been motorized or electronically controlled systems with passive mechanical interactions that are lighter and simpler.
3Ease of operation
If the opening of containers is perpendicular to the playing surface in scoring position, then game pieces can be received, but the container structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The container opening dynamically changes orientation from perpendicular (in scoring position) to coplanar (in closed position) through rotation. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same simple container structure to perform both receiving and closing functions without requiring separate mechanisms for each state, thereby avoiding increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is segmented into distinct functional zones: the opening portion that rotates for reception, the body that maintains structural integrity, and the fin structures that enable rotation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure simple and manageable.
4Reliability
If border rails surround the playing surface, then game pieces are prevented from escaping, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The border rails are designed as thin, lightweight structures that provide sufficient containment for game pieces without adding significant weight. The rails form a perimeter that guides and contains pieces through minimal material usage, maintaining reliability while minimizing weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The border rail system is segmented into discrete sections that can be independently positioned and assembled. This segmentation allows for minimal material usage while maintaining effective containment, and enables easy assembly and disassembly for portability without compromising the reliability of game piece containment.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable game includes a playing surface having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion has at least one container. Each container has an opening and is rotatably connected to the first portion, and each container is configured to rotate between a scoring position and a closed position. The opening of each container is configured to receive a game piece via the playing surface when that container is in the scoring position but not when that container is in the closed position. The portable game also includes one or more border rails that at least partially surround at least a portion of the playing surface.