Design and construction of an electro-mechanical bowling system

This project describes the design and construction of an electromechanical device to help handicapped people candlepin bowl more independently. Five sub-systems were designed: an aiming system, a firing system, a reloading system, a user interface, and electronic logic to control all of the systems. The user controls all aspects of the aiming and firing of the howling ball. Through the use of a control panel the user can move a joystick to change the aim, slide a lever to change the speed, or push a button to fire a ball. The aiming system allows the user to control where the bail is fired both laterally and rotationally. The firing system is powered by a compressed spring. Once the ball has been fired the reloading system automatically loads another ball. Each mechanical sub-system was constructed and tested to assure the system work as designed. The system will be used at the Massachusetts Hospital School as an educational and recreational device