Motors suited for pinball machine

#1

With our CoderDojo we want to make a pinball machine.
For the flippers to work, I was thinking about using a motor and a small bar to launch the ball.

Currently I have some DC motors and 2 servo motors, but there’s a large variety of motor extensions available.
Which one would you recommend for creating the flippers with?
Capabilities:

  • Swift reaction back & forward
  • Solid and firm (i’ll be using a light table tennis ball)
  • Always the same movement (no variations like the DC motor)

Thanks for your advice!

#2

Hi k.arel,

Firstly, sorry for my English because I am very bad.
Second, this is my reflection on your problem and not a solution that I have tried.
Third, I’ve never done Flipper but would probably go in another direction.

For the base, I would use a spring for the launch the ball and a mechanical system for the 2 flap bar. The mechanics will be more solid and less expensive.

Ok, don’t laugh at my drawing. I am not an engineer and I am not in computer graphics.

Flipper
Flipper.png737x450 7.7 KB

Then I would add a small screen, and sensors of all kinds. Vibration sensor for points, electroemant, motors and servo motors.

However, if you decide to use electronics for the 2 flap bar, the ordinary motor will not be precise enough, the motor server and the stepper motor will be too slow. I would use an electroemant to hit the ball.

#3

Hehehehe, I hope you have other suggestions? Sounds like a fun project. The simplest solution will always be the best.

Here is what I was talking about but it is not that simple.
%C3%89lectro

#4

Thanks for your reply.
To be sure that we’re talking about the same, here’s a parts list:
https://images.app.goo.gl/7uMbcegJarQiWiQZ8

I’m not making the launcher.

I’m looking for a way to implement the flipper bats.
I’m now thinking of using the servo motors, but is there a better alternative?

PS: other implementations I’ll be working on with the kids:

  • Rotating element: fan
  • Lights: led matrix
  • Score: 7-segment display
  • Ball detection: distance meter
  • Ball in hole detection: light meter
  • etc … everything goes!
#5

Hi K.arel,

The servo motor is a simple and easy to understand solution for children but is it fast as a movement ??? Pinball bats are probably the heart of the pinball machine.
Pinball machine

Me, I would go in mechanical and very simple pinball bats to focus on the other elements. The pointing … A led matrix, a speaker and the other sensors.

#6

Hi K. arel,

I am not into electronics but would start with the purchase of Piezoelectric shock tap sensor module for arduino on Aliexpress. I do not really know the different possible choices but some inexpensive things that detect shocks (vibration).

#7

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