Controllable Putting Green Surface for Variable Contours

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Solution Overview

Problem

Golfers face the challenge of practicing putting on different greens without traveling to various golf courses, as existing practice facilities lack the ability to replicate diverse contours and cup locations.

Innovation Solution

A controllable, dynamically moveable putting green system using triangular panels actuated by hydraulic or electric motors to mimic various golf green surfaces, allowing users to create or select specific contours and cup positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed static putting green surface is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the green cannot replicate diverse contours and cup locations of different golf courses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontour variation capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The putting green surface is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones. Each segment can be adjusted to different heights and contours, allowing the green to replicate diverse golf course configurations while maintaining overall structural stability through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The putting green transitions from a static fixed surface to a dynamic adjustable surface. Mechanical actuators and height adjustment mechanisms enable each segment to move and reposition, allowing the green to dynamically change contours and cup locations to simulate different golf course conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical greens with different contours are built, then diverse practicing conditions are provided, but the space requirement and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepracticing condition varietyVSAvoidfacility space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single putting green facility is designed to perform multiple functions by replicating various golf course greens. The adjustable contour system allows one green to serve as many different practice surfaces, eliminating the need to build multiple separate greens with fixed contours and reducing overall space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates accurate copies or replicas of famous golf course greens through adjustable mechanical segments. Rather than building multiple original greens, the facility uses a single configurable green that can be programmed to replicate the contours, slopes, and cup locations of various renowned greens, providing diverse practice conditions in a compact space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If the green surface is made adjustable and moveable, then diverse contours can be replicated, but the structural stability and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontour configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsurface stability during use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The green is divided into rigid modular segments that maintain structural integrity individually. Each segment is designed to be stable and reliable when positioned, while the modular nature allows easy adjustment. The segmentation enables the system to achieve both flexibility in configuration and stability during use, as each segment locks into place securely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the position and stability of each green segment. Feedback loops ensure that adjustments are made precisely and that the green maintains proper stability during use. The feedback system verifies that each segment is correctly positioned and locked, ensuring reliability while maintaining contour configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 on customizable putting greens with varying contours and cup locations, enhancing putting skills without the need for travel.

Implementation Method 1

The actuators may be operated (i.e., raised) hydraulically or using a different actuating force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

using a different actuating force, such as an electric motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric motor actuation: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS12447389B1Golf putting green with controllable surface contour

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 DICKEY JOHN A

AI summary

A surface having a controllable contour. A plurality of closely-spaced panels form the surface. A post actuator is disposed beneath each panel vertex such that application of a force to a post actuator causes the post actuator to vertically extend and thereby a region of a panel above the post actuator to move upwardly. Release of a force on a post actuator causes the post actuator to contract vertically and permit a region of the panel above the post actuator to move downwardly. Each post actuator is independently controllable to extend and contract. A control system supplies water to each post actuator to vertically extend the post actuator and releases water from each post actuator to cause the post actuators to contract vertically. By controlling the supply and release of water to and from each post actuator a desired contour for the panels can be achieved.