Clothoid-Arc-Clothoid Golf Ball Rolling Device for Consistent Putt Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current golf putting devices, such as stimp-meters and True-Rollers, fail to accurately simulate the execution of a perfect putt, making it difficult for golfers to consistently achieve the right speed and direction, which is crucial for improving putting skills and confidence.

Innovation Solution

A golf ball rolling device with a clothoid-arc-clothoid shape that transfers potential energy into kinetic energy, allowing the golf ball to roll consistently and accurately, featuring adjustable dimensions and optional laser alignment for precise aiming and distance measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional putting devices like stimp-meters or True-Rollers are used, then green speed measurement is possible, but accurate simulation of perfect putt execution and consistent speed/direction control are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveputt speed and direction accuracyVSAvoidconsistency of ball roll
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a clothoid curve geometry for the rail profile, which provides a mathematically precise curved path that ensures consistent ball rolling. The clothoid shape with its varying radius of curvature creates a controlled trajectory that eliminates the inconsistencies found in flat or simple curved surfaces, directly addressing the need for reliable and accurate putt simulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows adjustment of critical parameters including rail separation distance, clothoid curve dimensions, and drop height. These parameter changes enable the device to be calibrated for different green speeds and putting conditions, improving measurement precision while maintaining reliability through systematic adjustment of physical dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a golfer attempts to manually putt with a club, then personal feel and confidence are involved, but consistent execution of perfect putts is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of useVSAvoidconsistency of ball execution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to be operated by simply placing the ball on the rail and releasing it, requiring no complex manual intervention. The self-contained mechanism automatically provides consistent rolling action, making the device easy to operate while eliminating the variability introduced by manual putting technique.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The clothoid-curved rail surface provides a predetermined, repeatable path for the ball, ensuring that each putt execution follows the same precise trajectory. This geometric consistency delivers manufacturing-level precision in ball execution without requiring complex operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If putting practice is done without standardized equipment, then personal practice is possible, but accurate determination of putting lines and speeds is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveputting practice efficiencyVSAvoidputting line and speed accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates visual indicators and measurement markings that provide immediate feedback on ball trajectory and speed. This feedback mechanism allows golfers to accurately determine putting lines and speeds by observing the ball's motion along the calibrated clothoid rail, significantly improving measurement precision during practice.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device serves multiple functions including putting line determination, speed measurement, and trajectory analysis, all within a single standardized apparatus. This multi-functionality increases practicing efficiency by consolidating multiple training needs into one tool while maintaining high measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables golfers to practice and determine precise putting lines and speeds, increasing confidence and productivity in putting, as it consistently replicates the ball's behavior on a golf green, potentially replacing traditional stimp-meters and providing a standardized training tool.

Implementation Method 1

A golf ball rolling device with a clothoid-arc-clothoid shape that transfers potential energy into kinetic energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPotential energy to kinetic energy conversion: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2269702B1Rolling ball device
Publication Date: 2014.03.05 BESCANSA DE LA GANDARA RAMON
  • EP2269702B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2269702B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2269702B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention refers to a rolling ball device comprising a pair of ball support structures secured together and spaced apart so as to support a golf ball there between, each of the ball support structures having a first portion having a first end and a second end and having a first surface with a clothoid shape and having a second portion having a first end coupled to a second end of the first portion and a second end, the second portion having a first surface having an arc shape and having a third portion having a first end coupled to the second end of said second portion and having a second end, the third portion having a first surface having an inverted clothoid shape.