Engineering Applications: Pinball Machine Project

Brief

Desctription

Below is my engineering documentation for the process of our pinball machine. At the end of every class, I document what I accomplished that day.

Engineering Documentation Notebook

Launcher

Constraints:

What it does - Launches the ball to the top of the board

When it does it - When the player pulls the knob to start the game

How it does it - Using potential energy the user pulling back the spring, then transfers the energy into the ball in the form of kinetic energy

Aesthetics - Shape or Form fits the theme of the pinball machine (updated 8/3)

Aesthetics - Colors match theme colors (Added 7/29/25)

Aesthetics - Well sized and should not take up too much space on the board. As short as possible to get the desired function and width of the head of the launcher is greater than the width of the ball (3/4") and less than 1.5"

Construction/durability - Plywood, laser cutter or 3d printed. Pulled back without breaking, and hits the ball without breaking. Able to withstand 1000s of pulls

Construction/durability - No wobble (added 8/3)

Reliability - Every single time

Installation - Launcher should be installed in board to maximize space (as close to the right side of the board as possible)

Installation - It should also travel in alignment with the board surface and the right side of the board (added 7/31)

Craftsmanship - Launcher Craftsmanship is EXCELLENT (added 8/12)

Cost - Cost of Materials is accurately tracked (added 7/31)

IMG_8912.MOV

Final Launcher

Pinball Machine Research

IMG_8948.MP4

Score Board and Background

The score board and background are very detailed and clearly shows the points earned with other animations.

Scoring System / Rules Board

The pinball machine clearly lists the rules and scoring on the side of the pinball machine for players to see.

IMG_8949.mov

Launcher

The launcher is easy to grasp and uses strong force to eject the ball into the game.

IMG_8949.MOV

Flippers

There are two flippers located in the center of the board so the player can continuously hit the ball into the game consistently using strong force.

IMG_8947.mov

Targets

The target on this pinball machine flips over when the ball hits it allowing the ball to go into a "tunnel" and come out another way.

IMG_6452.mov

Bumpers

This bumper was located on the side of the board at an angle to launch the pinball toward other components.

IMG_6451.MP4

Ball Counter

The ball counter accurately and clealry states the number of balls used during the game. It also shows when the game is over after 3 balls have been used.

IMG_6452.MOV

Rotating Component

This pinball machine's rotating component is a Soccer Ball. When a goal s made the soccer ball spins.

IMG_8947.mov

Unique Mechanical Component

The unique mechanical component was the goalie trying to block the ball.

IMG_6452.MP4

Sounds of Game Play

The sounds are very animated and there is a commentator describing what is happening during the game. There is also whistle sounds to give the impression of a refreee.

IMG_8947.mov