String Pinspotter Slack Control to Prevent Pin Entanglement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bowling pin setting systems, particularly string systems, face challenges in efficiently managing string length adjustments and preventing entanglement during pin placement and knockdowns, which can affect gameplay experience.
Innovation Solution
A string pinspotter system with an actuator that independently adjusts string length between two configurations, allowing for different slack settings, separate from the pulley system, to manage pin placement and knockdown behavior, using electromechanical or electronic devices like rack and pinion gears, hydraulic actuators, or pneumatic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If string length is fixed in traditional pulley systems, then pin placement is simple, but string entanglement occurs during knockdowns and pins cannot move freely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the string length adjustable rather than fixed. The actuator mechanism dynamically changes string length between a first length (for pin placement) and a second length (for knockdown freedom), allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements and eliminating string entanglement issues.
2Device complexity
If actuator is integrated with pulley system, then coordination is simplified, but control independence and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the actuator from the pulley system, creating two independent functional modules. The actuator controls string length while the pulley system handles pin movement, allowing each component to operate independently and be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall system coordination.
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
Enables flexible string length management, reducing entanglement and enhancing gameplay by allowing pins to move freely like a free fall system while maintaining control, suitable for both casual and professional bowlers.
Implementation Method 1
using electromechanical or electronic devices like rack and pinion gears, hydraulic actuators, or pneumatic systems
Implementation Method 2
a pulley system configured to place the corresponding bowling pins into a first position onto a bowling lane and a second position raised above the bowling lane
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to bowling systems and, more particularly, to bowling systems comprising a string pinspotter system for recovering and setting bowling pins on a bowling lane and methods of use. The system includes: a plurality of strings associated with corresponding bowling pins; a pulley system configured to place the corresponding bowling pins into a first position onto a bowling lane and a second position raised above the bowling lane; and an actuator independent of the pulley system, the actuator adjusting a string length of the plurality of strings between at least a first string length and a second string length.