This is a video of me explaining the pinball machine more in-depth, with a video of the gameplay as well.

Here is the overall game play of the board.

The board pieces were digitally fabricated and cut out based on a layout that we created in Onshape. We also created our theme using Canva by combining different images found on the internet. We printed the vinyl out using a large vinyl printer.

Functionality: The board is held together by wood screws. Every part of the board was made to withstand countless uses. The board has never had a problem with this.

Included are the Onshape files, some slowmo videos, and a regular speed video

The LEDs were made with LED strips connected by wires and secured to the board with tape and staples. Each LED would shine through precut holes on our board.

Functionality: The LEDs are always on. Whenever an event happens, it causes them to trigger and flash different colors.

Code: The code runs in the while loop. When a component is activated, it activates the respective LED strip. For example, when the targets are pressed, the LED strip closest to the targets flashes red, green, and blue. Then the LED returns to its original resting color after a certain period of time. I had to code each color's rgb value and match it to its specific color name.

Included are some close-up images, the Onshape files, a slowmo video, and a regular speed video

The scoreboard was made with an lcd monitor, an extra circuit board, a digitally fabricated cover, screws, and wires. The lcd monitor is connected to the extra circuit board, which is connected to its own power source. The monitor is connected to the cover using screws and the cover was made to slot into the board.

Functionality: The scoreboard turns on when the game starts. It shows a welcome message, and then you can begin playing. You can get an unlimited amount of points until you lose a ball. Then your points are reset, and you can play again. Once you lose all the balls, a game over message plays. The game restarts

Code: The code runs in the while loop. When a component is activated, it also activates the score. For example, when the targets are pressed, the score = score + 100. This coding logic adds 100 points to the new score value. When the ball guide detects a ball, it causes the ball count to go down. There are time sleeps to ensure that the game can run smoothly.

Included are some close-up images, the Onshape files, a slowmo video, and a regular speed video

The servos were made by using a servo motor, servo horn, a digitally fabricated mount, screws, wires, 3d printed servo toppers, and wood glue. The servo toppers are connected to the servo horn by a special type of glue for plastic, and the servo horn is made to fit onto the servo. The servo is connected to the mount using screws.

Functionality: The servos are always functioning. When the game starts, the servos start turning immediately. The goal of the servos is to disrupt the player by guiding the ball in a different direction than intended.

Code: The servos are set to a specific speed and direction for them to run constantly. They are a part of the while true loop. Certain events can also trigger the servos to stop for a second with a time sleep and change direction (there is a number value in the code for this).

Included are some close-up images, the Onshape files, a slowmo video, and a regular speed video

The flippers were made by using a solenoid, springs, a digitally fabricated mount, screws, wires, wooden rods, buttons, and wood glue. The flippers were also digitally fabricated. The flippers are connected to the mount by the wooden rod, wood glue, and screws. The mount is connected to the solenoid and a spring. The solenoid is also mounted to the board. The button is wired to the solenoid and also to the circuit board.

Functionality: The flippers function whenever the buttons are pressed. When the buttons are pressed, they set off the solenoid through the while true loop in the code. This causes the solenoid to push up, pushing the flipper mount with it. The main flipper is also pushed up with this action. Then, the screws pull the mount back as the solenoids reset. The screws hold the mount in place and stop it from rotating too far.

Code: The flippers resting value is set to false. When the buttons are pressed, the value changes to true, activating the solenoid. Then there is a quick time sleep and the solenoid resets. The code also triggers the LEDs.

Included are some close-up images, the Onshape files, some slowmo videos, and a regular speed video

The targets were made by using a lever, a digitally fabricated mount, screws, wires, and wood glue. The target itself was also digitally fabricated and painted. The screws were used to hold the mount and lever together, connect the mount to the board, and hold the target in place. The wires are connected to the lever. 

Functionality: The targets function by detecting when the ball pushes the target, causing it to also push the lever. This causes the circuit to close, which starts the while true loop in the code. 

Code: The lever resting value is set to false. When the circuit is closed, the value changes to true, activating the code. The code causes the score to change and trigger the LEDs.

Included are some close-up images, the Onshape files, some slowmo videos, and a regular speed video

The bumpers were made by using a solenoid, a digitally fabricated mount, screws, wires, a 3d printed cone, and copper tape. The top of the bumper was also digitally fabricated and painted. The screws were used to hold the parts together with nuts to add stability. The solenoid is held by the mount that is attached to the bottom of the board. The copper tape is attached to the cone, which is attached to the top of the bumper using screws. There is also copper tape on the board itself.  The wires are connected to the copper tape. 

Functionality: The bumpers function by detecting when the ball touches the copper tape. This causes the circuit to close, which starts the while true loop in the code. This causes the solenoid to activate, which brings the bumper down onto the ball.

Code: The solenoid resting value is set to false. When the circuit is closed, the value changes to true, activating the code. The code causes the solenoid to close momentarily and then open back up, allowing the ball to exit. Points are added to the score. The LEDs are also triggered.

Included are some close-up images, the Onshape files, some slowmo videos, and a regular speed video

The launcher was made by taking a wooden rod and attaching circular pieces on each end. One end would be the side that the player pulls, and the other end would hit the ball. The launcher uses two springs to add tension. We also included a stabilizer block to keep the launcher in place and make it consistent. We designed and laser-cut the entire launcher in Onshape except for the preexisting wooden rod.

Functionality: The launcher functions through force from the player. Whenever the launcher is pulled, the force that it is pulled with is transferred to the other end of the launcher through the spring, which then hits the ball into play.

Included is a close-up image, the Onshape files, a slowmo video, and a regular speed video

We created a decision matrix to help put our thoughts together and weigh the pros and cons of each design. A paddle that immediately triggers the score every time was the best option. We also did not want to use a drop target. Based on these choices, we created a sketch of the design on onshape CAD, with the different components clearly labeled. I based this sketch on option 3, as it was my preferred choice. The design will be made of wood and will include a switch (not pictured) on the inside of the assembled parts. There will be precut holes for each screw that is needed for the security of the switch and security on the board.

Here is the prototype target.

There were three problems with this target:

1. The target design wasn't what we wanted it to look like. This was an easy fix to make because all we had to do was laser-cut new paddles with our final design on them.

2. The target didn't always stay symmetrical. One way we could fix this is by making the paddles wider to cause more friction. This would stop them from getting turned sideways when hit by the ball.

3. The target didn't register and change the score enough. A solution for this would include making a larger paddle, and changing the orientation of the mount so that the target could reset into its starting position and be ready to be hit by the ball.

Here is the prototype flipper.

The first problem with the flipper was that it wasn’t able to hit the ball to the top of the board due to its placement and the solenoid not being in the right spot. To fix this problem, we will reposition the flippers so that the solenoid can hit them with more force. We will also reduce the amount of friction and we might have to swap out the solenoids.

This also ties into the next problem because the flipper did not stay straight when it was hit due to a lack of friction between the anchor and the board. We will have to find the perfect amount of friction for the flipper to be able to hit the ball powerfully and stay straight.

This is a video of our final flipper. You may not be able to tell, but the design still has some flaws. This is because we encountered new problems when redesigning our flippers. An example of this was that we got more friction when we added our vinyl onto the board. We will try to fix this by sanding the bottom of our flippers to be smoother. Also, turning the board over now causes the solenoid to occasionally miss the flippers, allowing nothing to happen. We will have to take more measures to secure our flippers in place. Another problem we still encounter is that our flippers still need to be more powerful. We are thinking about changing the underside design to be a plus sign piece instead so that the flippers can be more steady and more powerful. We are continually working on fixing these problems with new designs and solutions. We will continue to prototype until our flippers function exactly how we would like them to.