Angled-Cylindrical Golf Ring for Clubface Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf training devices are costly, require extensive space, and lack immediate feedback on clubface control during indoor practice, making it difficult for individuals to improve their golfing technique without the risks associated with projectile striking.
Innovation Solution
A hollow, angled-cylindrical golf ring training device made of lightweight and resilient material that provides immediate visual and tactile feedback on clubface control during the follow-through motion, allowing practice without the need for extensive space or aerodynamic properties, and can be used with lofted golf clubs or driver clubs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indoor launch monitors or sensor systems are used to measure ball speed, spin rates, and clubhead angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive training ring object that can be easily replaced rather than investing in costly, complex sensor systems. The ring serves as a disposable training aid that provides feedback without requiring expensive electronics or sophisticated measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The training ring creates a simplified visual copy or representation of the ideal clubface alignment and swing path. Instead of using complex sensors to measure actual parameters, the ring provides a visual template that the golfer aims to match, copying the essential geometric relationships needed for proper technique.
2Loss of information
If indoor launch monitors are used to provide feedback on clubface conditions, then information completeness is improved, but space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential feedback element (clubface alignment and swing path) from the complex suite of measurements provided by launch monitors. The training ring isolates and provides just the critical visual cues needed for improvement, removing unnecessary complexity and space requirements while retaining the most valuable information.
Solution Approach 2:
The training ring acts as an intermediary object between the golfer and the target, providing indirect feedback on clubface conditions. Rather than directly measuring clubface angle and ball launch parameters, the ring mediates the interaction by showing whether the clubface was properly aligned and positioned during the swing.
3Productivity
If projectile striking is used for indoor practice, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to reaction forces and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful projectile striking into a beneficial visual tracking exercise. Instead of allowing the training object to be struck with full force (which creates safety risks), the ring is designed to be tracked and aimed at during the swing, transforming a dangerous impact-based training method into a safe visual-guided practice that maintains productivity.
4Ease of operation
If aerodynamic properties are used to slow the training device, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter from aerodynamic drag to simple geometric alignment. Instead of relying on air resistance and aerodynamic properties to control the training device, the ring uses its shape and orientation to provide visual feedback on clubface alignment, simplifying the device while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow, angled-cylindrical golf ring training device and method provides feedback on the clubface's starting and follow-through conditions. The participant pivots the device from a resting position into a stationary starting position before performing a follow-through motion. In one embodiment, the training device provides immediate feedback of clubface location and orientation by pivoting from an ellipsoid into a more circular appearance. A participant may then sweep the device accurately into the air to a target by controlling the clubface angle of attack and follow-through alignment. Less optimized conditions cause the training device to slide over or under the clubface without accurately reaching a target in the air or in a tumbling manner. Lofted clubs may be practiced solely with the device, or a ball may be placed on top of the device for use with the driver. Practice may occur independently or in a group game setting.