Segmented Shuffleboard Playfield Assembly with Leveling Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shuffleboard playfields are cumbersome, immovable, and prone to warping due to humidity changes, making them unsuitable for non-commercial locations and requiring improved mobility and leveling mechanisms, especially when cut in half.
Innovation Solution
A shuffleboard playfield cut in half with two elongated planar members that can be easily assembled and adjusted using L-shaped brackets and leveling bolts at the point of joinder to ensure a level playing surface, allowing for independent adjustment of each corner to compensate for warping and facilitate installation in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the playfield is made as a complete one-piece structure, then the playing surface is continuous and stable, but it becomes too long to be carried through narrow passageways, around corners, and up and down stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The playfield is divided into two separate half-length sections that can be easily transported independently. Each section includes its own support legs and can be carried through narrow passageways, around corners, and up stairs without the mobility restrictions of a full-length playfield.
Solution Approach 2:
The two half-length playfield sections are joined together at their longitudinal edges using connecting brackets and fasteners to form a complete full-length playfield for game play. This allows the playfield to be segmented for transportation and merged for use.
2Ease of operation
If the playfield is cut in half to improve mobility, then ease of transportation is improved, but the playing surface may become uneven or not level at the point of joinder
Solution Approach 1:
Leveling mechanisms including adjustable brackets and shims are introduced as intermediary elements between the two playfield sections. These intermediaries compensate for height differences and ensure the playing surface is level at the joint, addressing the precision problem created by segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting brackets and support structures incorporate adjustable elements that allow the playfield sections to be dynamically positioned and leveled relative to each other. This adjustability ensures proper alignment and levelness despite variations in manufacturing or installation conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional attachment means are used to join the two sections, then assembly is achieved, but the top surface alignment at the joint may not be perfectly level
Solution Approach 1:
Overlapping extension portions are provided on the playfield sections that extend beyond the longitudinal edges. These overlapping portions allow for preliminary alignment and adjustment of the top surfaces before final attachment, ensuring proper leveling is achieved during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjustable connecting brackets and leveling shims serve as intermediary components between the two playfield sections. These intermediaries provide adjustment mechanisms that enable precise alignment and leveling of the top surfaces at the joint during the assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a two-piece shuffleboard playfield having two rectangular planar members forming the overall playfield, two bracket members and adjustment members. The two elongated planar playfield members are attached to each other with the bracket members. Each bracket member is mounted to the lower surface of one of the elongated planar members at the point of joinder of the two elongated playfield members. When the playfield members are placed in abutting relationship to each other, the bracket members are likewise placed adjacent to each other for securely attaching the same to each other with a plurality of fastener members. An adjustment bolt is position at each respective end portion of each bracket member for leveling the top surface of the elongated planar members at their point of joinder. Each end portion of one rectangular planar member adjacent the point of joinder or joint edge can be moved up and down with respect to the other end portions of the rectangular planar members by adjusting the adjustment members. The adjustment bolts are used to raise one corner of each of the elongated playfield members independently of each other at the point of joinder.