After reflection on my process designing the flippers I have decided that using two voltages in two wires is an inefficient way to solve the problem. I will instead use PWM through an Arduino to vary the voltage through a single wire.

I have created a complete CAD of all the components of the pinball machine. My next steps are to manufacture each component and edit them unit they suit my needs. I will also create the electronics.

After research into current pinball machines, I have learnt that they have to have two voltages (and currents) to actuate the flipper​. As soon as the button is pressed, 50V runs through the solenoid to produce 125N of force. After a certain time has elapsed, the voltage drops to 5V to maintain the upwards position of the flipper. This is so the coil doesn't burn out, but there is still a strong actuation. In professional pinball machines, two wires are coiled in the solenoid and each voltage runs through the respective wire.

​I made a prototype of a homemade solenoid, which worked with just 9V. Additionally, I created the connector between the solenoid and the flipper. 

In the future I would like to create a more accurately wound solenoid and determine an actuation distance. The flipper could then be edited to have the appropriate range of motion with this actuation distance.