Pinball Flippers

Github Link: https://github.com/marguerites20/PinballFlippers 

How Flippers Work

Flippers are fundamental components of a pinball machine, playing a crucial role in gameplay control and strategy. They are mechanical devices designed to launch or propel the pinball across the playfield by striking it with a rapidly moving paddle or arm. Here's how they work:

1. Mechanical Construction: Flippers typically consist of a few main parts: a bat-shaped paddle or arm, a pivot point or hinge, and a coil-driven mechanism known as a solenoid. The flipper's paddle is attached to a pivot point, allowing it to swing up and down like a see-saw. When activated, the solenoid rapidly pulls the flipper's paddle towards it, causing the flipper to rotate upwards and strike the pinball.

2. Electrical Control: The activation of flippers is controlled electronically, usually through a microcontroller such as an Arduino or dedicated pinball machine controller. When a player presses the flipper button, a signal is sent to the microcontroller, which in turn triggers the activation of the solenoid. The solenoid quickly pulls the flipper's paddle, creating the necessary force to propel the pinball.

3. Timing and Precision: Timing is crucial in flipper operation. Players must precisely time their flipper button presses to strike the pinball at the right moment, aiming to achieve specific objectives such as hitting targets, activating bonuses, or preventing the pinball from draining through the outlanes. Skilled players develop strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of flipper shots and controlling the ball's trajectory on the playfield.

4. Gameplay Dynamics: Flippers significantly influence the flow and pace of pinball gameplay. They introduce an element of skill and dexterity, requiring players to quickly react to the ball's movement and make split-second decisions. Well-designed flipper layouts provide players with a variety of shot opportunities, encouraging strategic play and rewarding precise flipper control.

In summary, flippers are essential components of pinball machines that enable players to interact with the game's mechanics and influence the trajectory of the pinball. Through a combination of mechanical design, electrical control, and player skill, flippers contribute to the dynamic and engaging gameplay experience that defines pinball.

Design Components

• Arduino Uno R3 Microcontroller: Controls solenoid activation.

• Solenoid: Propels the flipper to hit the pinball.

• Flipper Mechanism: Includes flipper arm and attachment for solenoid.

Electrical Components

• Resistors:

  • 220 Ohm resistor

  • 10 kOhm resistor

• Pushbuttons:

  • 1 pushbutton

• Diodes:

  • IN4001 diode

• Transistors:

  • TIP102 transistor (NPN)

• Other Components:

  • 5V solenoid

  • 12V 2A power supply AC adapter

  • Arduino Uno R3

  • USB cable

  • 12 wires

Solenoids: Operation and Functionality

Solenoids are electromechanical devices that convert electrical energy into linear motion. They consist of a coil of wire wound around a core, typically made of iron, which becomes magnetized when current flows through the coil. This magnetic field creates a force that moves the plunger or armature connected to the core.

When current is applied to the solenoid coil, the resulting magnetic field attracts the plunger into the coil, causing it to move in the direction of the magnetic field. This movement is utilized in various applications, including pinball flippers, where the solenoid's rapid action propels the flipper arm to strike the pinball.

Diode Across the Solenoid

In electrical circuits containing solenoids, a diode is often placed across the solenoid coil in a reverse-biased configuration. This diode, known as a flyback or freewheeling diode, serves to protect the circuit from voltage spikes generated when the solenoid is switched off.

When the solenoid is energized and then de-energized, the collapsing magnetic field induces a voltage spike in the coil. Without a diode, this spike can damage other components in the circuit. However, the diode provides a path for the current generated by the collapsing magnetic field to circulate harmlessly, protecting the circuit from damage.

Execution

1. Hardware Construction

   • Integrated a pushbutton into the flipper mechanism withonline guidance. + Here are some links that gave inspiration for the final design:

• Control a Solenoid With an Arduino

• Arduino Lesson - Solenoid Control

• Let's Make Pinball

  • Innovative Approach: Brainstormed ideas and custom-designed a mounting mechanism.

  • Custom Fabrication: Utilized 3D modeling for integration and protection.

2. Electrical Wiring

   • Upgraded to a 12V power supply AC adapter for sufficient solenoid power.

   • Problem Identification: 5V from Arduino was insufficient for solenoid force.

   • Solution Implementation: Integrated 12V power supply with proper voltage regulation.

3. Software Integration

   • Updated Arduino code for pushbutton and solenoid coordination.

   • Optimization and Testing: Ensured compatibility with hardware changes.

4. Testing and Validation

   • Comprehensive testing for functionality and reliability.

   • Success and Satisfaction: 12V power supply enhanced performance, resolving initial limitations.

Flipper Images

• Cardboard Flippers

• Flipper Schematic

• Flipper Implementation

  • These images show the implementation of the flipper mechanisms into the final pinball machine.

3D Modeling with Autodesk Fusion 360

3D modeling was used to make a casing for the solenoid, which is meant to fix the solenoid in place while it activates and pulls the flipper mechanism. Keeping the solenoid stationary was an important part of the design. The casing also creates space underneath the game field to protect the solenoid mechanism.

The 3D model of the solenoid casing was created using Autodesk Fusion 360, a computer-aided design (CAD) software. Fusion 360 offers a comprehensive set of modeling, simulation, and rendering tools, making it ideal for designing complex mechanical parts.

Various features, such as dimensions, shapes, and assembly constraints, were defined using Fusion 360's intuitive interface in the design process.

Once the 3D model was finalized, it was exported in a .stl file format for fabrication, enabling the creation of physical prototypes using 3D printing.

3D Printing with Original Prusa Mini

The physical prototypes of the flipper assembly were created using the Original Prusa Mini 3D printer. The Prusa Mini is a compact and reliable 3D printer known for its ease of use and high-quality prints. Its open-source design and robust community support make it a popular choice among hobbyists and professionals alike.

With its intuitive interface and automatic calibration features, the Prusa Mini ensured consistent and precise printing of the flipper components. Its heated print bed and filament sensor further enhanced the printing process, resulting in durable and accurate prototypes ready for testing and integration into the pinball machine.

Flipper Demos

SOLENOID: Watch the solenoid in action here.

TESTING: Watch testing of the flipper here.

IMPLEMENTATION: Watch the final product here.

3D Printing