Convertible Target Pad with Curved Ball-Containment Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf practice targets lack versatility, often requiring specific approaches and do not mimic real golf holes, while flying discs lack stability and straight flight paths.
Innovation Solution
A circular target pad designed with a center disc and an outer over mold ring, featuring angled ridges and a beveled hole, allowing golf balls to roll to the center and providing stability as a golf target and straight flight as a flying disc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing golf practice targets are used, then they can serve as a target for practice, but they do not offer a target which can be approached from any direction and the golf ball bounces or ricochets upon reaching the target rather than holding the golf ball in place
Solution Approach 1:
The target pad employs a circular geometry with a curved, concave surface that gently slopes toward the center divot. This spherical curvature allows the pad to be approached from any direction while the concave shape naturally cradles and contains the golf ball in the center divot, preventing ricochet and enabling multi-directional approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The target pad features an asymmetric profile with a flat outer rim transitioning to a gently sloping concave surface that converges to a pointed divot at the center. This asymmetric geometry creates a stable containment structure that guides balls from any approach angle into the central divot while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If existing flying discs are used, then they can be thrown and caught, but they lack stability and wobble on their route to the catcher
Solution Approach 1:
The flying disc utilizes a curved, concave upper surface that slopes toward the center, creating an aerodynamic profile similar to a shallow dish. This curvature generates stable airflow patterns during flight, reducing wobble and improving stability while maintaining ease of throwing and catching.
Solution Approach 2:
The disc features localized geometric features including a raised rim around the perimeter and a pointed divot at the center. These local structural variations create differential aerodynamic properties that enhance overall flight stability while preserving the basic throwing and catching functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing golf targets are used, then they can serve as a target, but they have no use other than as a golf target and offer no options for a bored but eager golfer
Solution Approach 1:
The target pad is designed with a universal geometry that serves multiple functions: it works as an effective golf target with ball containment, functions as a stable flying disc for recreational throwing, and provides a consistent practice surface. This multi-functionality is achieved through its circular shape, curved surface, and central divot structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the characteristics of an effective golf target (ball containment, approachability from any direction) with the characteristics of a stable flying disc (aerodynamic profile, flight stability) into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate devices for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses a circular target pad which may be used alternately as a target in connection with a golf putting game or as a flying disc. The target pad is shaped such that a golf ball may rest in its center but also may be easily dislodged by a striking force. The target pad also is shaped such that when thrown as a flying disc, its flight path is straight.