[#9] More Modeling & Working Prototype

 

Working Paper Prototype & 3D Model Comparison

Continuing to refine and work out the details this week, I added more functionality and details to the 3D model in Rhino to work towards a final version. 

I will begin with my modeling in Rhino. Starting from my more basic prototype from last week, my intent was to add some very simple functionality to the object by making it possible for a small ball to be dropped into the back box where it will go down some ramps inside before popping out the bottom and then rolling down the surface of the pinball machine, hopefully bouncing off some obstacles and bumpers along the way. Ideally, I would have liked to make functional paddles work so you could interact more but it doesn't seem feasible for this project. The image below shows the plans of the ramps and where the ball will get dropped into and eventually exit the back box. The ramps inside are supposed to be tilted to ensure the ball doesn't get stuck inside.

View of ball drop ramps inside back box

In order to catch the ball, I had to include a ball catch system at the front. To do this I created a vertical cylinder that I trimmed back to create a half-cylinder that fit underneath the surface and down to the bottom of the machine to act as a catch basin. In order to slow the ball down and have it rest somewhere that you can grab it, I added tilted planes inside the cylinder and then cut a hole into the front face of the pinball machine where you can grab the ball to try again. 

Internal view of the ball catch cylinder and ramps.

Front view of the ball catch with hole

To elaborate on the pinball playing surface, I began to add more small obstacle objects such as round, long, or triangle bumpers. It was critical to figure out what is and isn't working for these tiny parts this week. I needed to ensure they can be completed at such a small scale with paper.

Top view of playing surface with obstacles & bumpers

After unrolling and printing all of the parts, I began to put together the latest working prototype. I used cardstock paper to provide more stability and it seemed to work well. I started by paying close attention to where I placed the tabs to ensure I could attach them cleanly. For rounded and curved sides, spiked tabs work best to ensure you can flex the side into a curve freely. 

I am pretty happy with how all the bumpers and obstacles came together. The only one that is still giving me trouble is the curved obstacle near the top. with its very curved front, it is difficult to get the curved face of it to adhere to to the top and bottom. I will have to test this piece more, but I believe I am at a point where I can get it to work if I only attach a bit at a time before moving to the next part so it doesn't pull/push it out of place. The round bumpers came together but it was a bit tedious to get them to glue together properly. I was considering changing their shape to something easier to fold but at this point I think I will keep them as is unless I run into more issues. I didn't fold all of the round bumpers for today since there are so many, but you should be able to see where they will sit on the surface by the pink circles I drew on to the surface. I also roughly drew in the missing paddle that I had trouble printing and some more rough surface decoration on the playing surface and front of the back box.

The ball drop and ball catch ramps were very intimidating to assemble but I think they worked out well. Unfortunately, I didn't catch a picture of the internal assembly before I put the remaining sides on the cabinet. They seem to be functioning as planned but I can always simplify them if they prove difficult.

There will be a clear surface placed on top of the playing surface but it is absent in these stages in order to see the internals better. It is just a flat plane that will sit directly over the surface so I am not too worried about this part.

Curved tab (spikes) example for difficult piece

Partially assembled without legs attached

View of the internal ramp for the ball drop in the back box

Top view with more detailed look at the surface and cut-out for the ball catch

Side view of working prototype

Though I am happy with how it is coming together, there's still work to be done.

Some things to change:

• Larger hole in front to grab the ball.
  Current is too small and likely too high up to accommodate a larger hole between the ramps. I will need to ensure an average sized finger will be able to grab the ball or consider a different ball catch that might stick out the front a bit to make it easier to take.
• Adjust placement of tabs on wavy obstacle to create a smoother curve.
  If I can't get a smooth curve, I will likely change it to a more faceted or angular plane.
• Refine craft.
  Working more carefully and testing more prototypes of smaller shapes to create clean-looking final parts.

Still to do:

• Source the perfect sized "pinball"
• Maybe some silver decorative candy balls?
• Ball bearings?
• Decorate and theme the pinball machine
• Decide on colours for paper
• Design the back box 
• Add more decorative features to the surface and bumpers
• Determine if non-paper features will be added
• Lights?