Ball Recovery Pit Layout for Horizontal Basket Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball collecting systems require workers to manually lift heavy loads of balls from a pit, increasing workload and labor intensity.
Innovation Solution
A ball collecting system that allows workers to move baskets containing balls horizontally, reducing the need to lift them, using a configuration with sloping surfaces and a distribution structure to guide balls into multiple baskets, ensuring even weight distribution and easy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If golf balls are left on the green after putting, then they may be lost or stolen, but collecting them manually increases labor time and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic ball recovery through sensors that detect when a ball has been putted and mechanically retrieve it without human intervention. The ball retrieval mechanism automatically activates when a ball crosses the putting line, transports it to the collection area, and resets without requiring manual collection by staff.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If ball markers are placed on the green to indicate ball locations, then balls can be located more easily, but it adds complexity to the system setup and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual ball markers with an electronic sensor network embedded in the green. Optical or electromagnetic sensors detect ball positions automatically through the putting surface, eliminating the need for physical markers and their associated setup and maintenance complexity.
3Productivity
If a ball retrieval mechanism is installed on the green, then balls are automatically collected improving efficiency, but it increases device complexity and installation cost
Solution Approach 1:
The ball retrieval mechanism is integrated with the existing putting green infrastructure and ball storage systems. The retrieval mechanism combines sensing, transport, and storage functions into a unified system that works seamlessly with the course layout, reducing overall complexity compared to separate independent systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces worker workload by enabling horizontal movement of weighted baskets, facilitating efficient collection and transfer of balls without excessive manual lifting.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is positioned to sense when the ball has been putted across the putting line
Implementation Method 2
A ball retrieval mechanism is positioned on the putting line to retrieve the ball when it is putted across the putting line
Data Source
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AI summary
A ball collecting system 1 comprises a picker 2, and a pit 5 configured to enable balls BL discharged from the picker 2 to be collected in a ball-collecting space 51. At least one basket BS whose upper part is open is disposed in the ball-collecting space 51 to allow the discharged balls BL to be dropped and stored in the basket BS. The ball-collecting space 51 is configured such that one end thereof in a horizontal direction is formed as an open zone, to allow the basket BS to be taken out from the ball-collecting space 51 through the open zone 52.