Electromechanical Game: Plinko

Python, Lasercutting, 3D Printing, Woodworking

Individual: 11/01 - 11/10

Overview

This was a project for my Electronics and Controls and needed to meet several criteria.

Must require user input and have an output
Must have a moving electromechanical system
Must be controlled by a microcontroller

My game is heavily inspired by Plinko, which is a game my mom loves to watch on The Price is Right!

Designing

I had to go through several design iterations before reaching my final design. I originally had a few different game design ideas but continued to revise until I reach a design that was attainable within the time constraint.

Sketches of Brainstorming Components

Fabrication

For fabrication, I relied heavily on woodworking, using tools such as a handsaw, scrollsaw, and tablesaw. I also used the laser cutter for more defined shapes, such as the hole insert for the button. I also 3D printed a gear attachment for the motor. For some game pieces, I used household materials, such as using rubberbands tied together for the conveyor belt and using a zip tie to secure the motor in place.

Results/Testing

I found that when using, the motor attachment was secured well, and the rubberbands tended to slip on the 3D printer gears. The cup that the ping-pong ball was stored in was also slightly small, so that it would need to be shaken or pushed out after the dowel was pulled out of the cup.

Code for the Feather

Future Work

For future work, there are several adjustments I would like to make.

Use a timing belt for the conveyor belt instead of rubber bands
Make the barrel jack/circuit more easily accessible
Have a better securement system for the motor

In addition, if I had time to increase the complexity, I would...

Incorporate a method to have the drop after the button is let go
Have pressure sensors or buttons that would sense where the ball was dropped and would display the result on the serial monitor