Intro to Pinball Project
Intro to Pinball Project
Embedded Files
This document is used as a record of all the progress we have made throughout the year. We record our work for everyday that we attend class, and sometimes outside of class hours, with a description and images or videos. This helps not only us, but our teacher and future readers, look at our progress and practice recording to keep track of the projects we have completed. This also shows how dedicated we are to the project and how strenuous the work is.
The project requirements are to apply all of your prior and new engineering knowledge and skills to design and build a fully functional pinball machine with a partner.
Launcher
Launcher
Above are the constraints for the launcher component. Some of them include the launcher being able to launch to the top of the board, have the aesthetics match our theme, and installing the launcher to maximize enough space. My partner and I used these constraints/requirements by making our launcher very small, creating a 3D boba handle, and covering the mechanism for better craftsmanship.
Click here for video of component functioning!
Scoreboard
Scoreboard
Above are the constraints for the scoreboard component. Some of them include if-then statements for the coding logic of our scoreboard and installing the scoreboard correctly with the right number of machine and wood screws. These constraints helped my partner and I decided the makeup of our scoreboard and the correct coding logic to use.
Click here for video of component functioning!
Onshape/Design Planning
Onshape/Design Planning
Below are the constraints for the Onshape/Design planning. The main things to take note of from this constraint document were to incorporate all of the ball guides, holes, and components on the paper drawing and Onshape file used for the CNC machine. This was a very important step in our process because everything had to be perfect since we only had one time to print out our board on the CNC machine. There is also our final full pinball board Onshape file as well.
Extra Onshape Files!
Extra Onshape Files!
Quarter 1 Project Summary!
Quarter 1 Project Summary!
Launcher
For our launcher, my partner and I created a covered launcher with a boba handle. We created the first prototype using a wooden dowel, laser cut pieces, and an oversized boba top as the handle. We liked the overall theme of the launcher, but the execution wasn't what we planned so we restarted. I created a 3D boba cup, that is split in half and glued together, enclosing the new metal rod within it. Inside the cup, I created a nook to hold a nut that allows us to unscrew the handle from our bolt, possibly make some changes/replace a spring, and then reattach it. Creating this design not only gave us an aesthetic look, but made our launcher 100 times more sturdy and practical.
Scoreboard
The scoreboard was a fun component to make because we could personalize the feel of our gameboard. My partner created an outline using laser cut pieces, spraypainted it colors that matched our theme, and then mounted it to the pinball machine. While my partner worked on that, I completed all of the coding logic and connected the two levers, one for ball loss and score gain, and assisted her in mounts everything/final touches.
Onshape/Planning
My partner was the main person in charge of the Onshape pinball layout, but I did help with the paper drawing and overall ideas implemented into the board. My partner decided on 3 bumpers, 4 targets, 2 flippers, 2 servos, 6 LED strips, and 2 unique mechanical components. We spent a lot of time planning the placement of these components based on our inspiration pinball machines and drew our machine to scale as percise as we could.
Pinball Research!
Pinball Research!
Scoreboard and Background
The scoreboard we decided to take inspiration from was a sky jump-themed pinball machine. This pinball machine's scoreboard/background was very simple, yet eye-catching. My partner and I enjoyed the simple score and ball count tracker towards the top right corner and the use of lights to draw the players attention to the title and characters. The scoreboard's role in a pinball machine is to keep track of the players points and ball count. The background is for aesthetics and to be visually appealing to the players.
Scoring System/Rules Board
My partner and I like simplicity, so we choose this scoring and rules board. It combines the rules with the number of points you can score. We would model our scoreboard after this for a clean and sleek look that gets straight to the point. The function of the scoring/rules board is to inform the player of how the game works and how many points they will earn depending on what components they hit.
Launcher Photos
Launcher Photos
Launcher
We choose this specific launcher because it had a handle that related to the theme. It also used a box to somewhat hide the mechanism used and used a metal rod for sturdiness. All of these things we are planning to use in our final launcher. The function of a launcher is to begin the game by pushing the ball into play on the board.Flippers
We honestly liked all of the flippers, so we choose a simple design as inspiration. We liked how the colors relate to the theme and how effectively the flippers move. The function of the flippers is to keep the ball in play and push/move the ball around the board.Targets
The targets that we decided to choose were small and pointed at an angle towards the flippers. There is a line of targets on either side. I believe we are going to lessen the number of targets used, but we love the placement and efficiency of the targets in the pinball machine above. The function of targets in a pinball is to aim the ball at them, hit them, and receive a specific number of points as a reward.Bumpers
The bumpers my partner and I decided to use are placed right above the flippers, pushing the ball back and forth between the two. We wanted to incorporate bumpers in the simplest way and loved how fun it was to watch the ball with these specific bumpers. The function of bumpers in a pinball machine is to keep the ball in play and increase difficultly in ball control.
Ball Counter
The picture above shows an image of the sensor that tracks when the ball runs out of the game. This is connected to the scoreboard that displays the ball count to the player. The function of the ball counter in a pinball machine is to track the number of balls, end the game when that number is lost, and to display game progress to player.Rotating Component
The rotating component my group decided to use as inspiration was the rotating soccer ball. First, we loved how the placement of the ball flowed with the overall board. We also loved the speed and how on theme the ball was. We plan to add multiple servos of rotating Boba cups to our pinball machine. The function of the rotating component is to add visual variety and enhance game theme.Unique Mechanical Component
The unique mechanical component I liked the most was the spinning wheel. When the ball hits the handle of the rotator, the circle begins to spin rapidly. I like how fun it is to watch and how rewarding it feels when you hit the handle. I also love that it is customizable. The function of the unique mechanical component is to add unpredictability and special effects.Sound Effects
We thoroughly enjoyed the sound effects of the soccer pinball machine, which is why we choose it as our inspiration for this section. I loved the upbeat music, engaging sound effects attached to certain components, and overall vibe. I definitely think we will add a cool soundtrack to our Boba themed machine to give it an inviting vibe. The function of the sound effects is to engage the player and futherimmerse the player in the game.
Ball Guides
Unfortunately, I could not seem to get the ball to pass through the ball guide (I'm a novice pinball player), but I did document some photos. Above are the ball guides we plan to use to direct the ball back into the game, placing it atop the flippers. The photo to the right will use very small ball guides to ensure that when the ball falls between the flipper, it falls all the way down. The function of the ball guides are to passively transport/direct the ball a specific way.
Lighting
I really liked the lighting of this pinball machine for many reasons. One reason was because of how soft but noticeable the lighting is. I like the themed colors and placement of lighting atop the bumpers. I would definitely add some lighting beneath components that light can pass through, to add a soft glow. The function of lighting is to make your pinball machine more visually appealing and aesthetic.
As stated below, I really liked the lighting in this image because of the atmosphere it creates. I also really enjoy the flow of the board designs throughout the back of board.
Overall Board Layout/Theme
Overall Board Layout/Theme
**The three layouts my partner and I liked the most are showcased above!**
Above is the design closest to our layout. We want something simple yet attractive, and thought this pinball machine was perfect. We love the placement of the targets in a diagonal line and bumpers in the middle of the board. We also liked the simplicity of the ball guides and vibrant color use on the background of the board.
The last pinball machine we took inspiration from was the soccer theme. We loved the theme, sounds, and interctiveness of this board. The placement of the rotating servo was perfect and designs displayed on the wooden section below the flippers. The only negative thing on our part was how maximalistic the board was, since we gravitate towards a more simplified style.
Page updated
Report abuse