Broken Tee Extractor with Pivotable Hook and Tweezer Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for removing broken golf tees from the ground are either cumbersome or not suitable for use on a golf course, lacking a lightweight and specialized tool for the general playing population.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight broken tee extractor with bulbous handle and adjustable tweezer arms or hook arms, allowing for secure grasping and removal of embedded tee stems or heads, featuring optional pivot-mounted tee pulling members and varying gap configurations for different tee conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If household tools are used for retrieving golf tees, then retrieval capability is achieved, but portability and suitability for travel on golf course deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two distinct functional components: tweezer arms for grasping tee stems and hook arms for retrieving broken tee heads. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall device compact and lightweight for portability on golf courses.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single tool: it can retrieve intact tees using tweezer arms, retrieve broken tee heads using hook arms, and adapt between different retrieval methods via the pivot mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate tools, improving portability while maintaining comprehensive tee retrieval capability.
2Device complexity
If fingers are used to pick out golf tees, then no additional equipment is needed, but operation convenience and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-sufficient with integrated functions: the tweezer arms automatically grasp tee stems when squeezed, the hook arms are positioned to catch broken tee heads, and the pivot mechanism self-adjusts during operation. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If specialized broken tee remover is designed, then tee removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges two retrieval functions (tweezer grasping and hooking) into a single integrated tool. The tweezer arms and hook arms are combined on one handle, allowing the user to switch between functions without changing tools. This merging maintains effectiveness while controlling complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tee pulling member is mounted on a pivot that allows rotation between different positions. This dynamic element enables the device to adapt its configuration during use: the hook arms can rotate to access broken tee heads at various angles, and the tweezer arms can be positioned optimally for different tee orientations. This dynamics improves effectiveness without requiring multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A broken tee extractor has a bulbous handle portion and a pair of tweezer arms extending downwardly from the bulbous handle portion. A narrow neck extends upwardly from the bulbous handle portion. A platform terminates the narrow neck and is supported by the narrow neck. A tee pulling member is mounted to the platform and a notch is formed between a pair of hook arms. The tee pulling member comprises the pair of hook arms and the notch. The broken tee extractor also has a pair of points disposed on the pair of tweezer arms. The pair of points are oriented inward.