Untethered Support Element for Chance-Based Scoring in Games

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing games do not provide a mechanism for stacked elements to be disrupted by a player in such a way that one element can fall into another by chance, contributing to the game score.

Innovation Solution

A game design featuring a basket assembly with a basket and untethered support elements, where removing an upper element allows it to fall through an aperture into a basket below, registering a score, utilizing a disc to dislodge the scoring element and create a dynamic impact for potential scoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a disc is thrown at scoring element to dislodge it and create dynamic impact, then scoring opportunity is created, but the outcome becomes dependent on chance rather than skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescoring opportunityVSAvoidoutcome predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is made untethered and free-standing, allowing it to be dynamically displaced by the thrown disc. This creates an unstable equilibrium where the support can be knocked over, causing the scoring element to fall unpredictably into the basket. The dynamic nature of the support element transforms a static stacking game into one with chance-based outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The scoring element is designed to be self-supporting on the untethered support element without additional fixtures or mechanisms. When the support is displaced, the scoring element naturally falls under its own weight, eliminating the need for external triggering mechanisms and reducing complexity while maintaining the chance-based scoring feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If aperture diameter is made larger than support element diameter to allow scoring, then scoring is enabled, but precision of element placement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescoring capabilityVSAvoidelement placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The game components are segmented into distinct functional elements: the untethered support element with specific diameter, the scoring element with larger diameter, and the aperture with diameter between the two. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with standard tolerances while achieving the desired functional relationship where the scoring element can pass through the aperture when dropped, but cannot be placed through during normal play.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 a chance-based scoring mechanism where elements can fall into a basket, enhancing gameplay by introducing an element of unpredictability and dynamic movement for scoring opportunities.

Implementation Method 1

scoring body 13 to tend to move, by gravity, downwardly, and by chance, through basket aperture 28 and into basket 17

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

Dynamic lateral movement of untethered support body element 12 will tend to move body 12 out of stacked support of scoring body 13

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS7841598B1Dynamic game

Publication Date: 2010.11.30 BERG DONALD

AI summary

This is a game including a basket supporting an untethered support element which, in turn, supports a free standing scoring body element.