Digital Slope Meter for Golf Green Speed Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Stimpmeters require manual measurement of golf ball movement distances, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming assessments of green speed, and fail to measure slope speed effectively by not considering angle variations across different measurement points.
Innovation Solution
A digital slope meter with a shaft and rolling groove that includes a measuring module for precise distance and angle measurement using laser, infrared, or ultrasonic sensors, allowing for accurate display of moving distance and isolated angle, and a level for slope degree measurement, enabling comparison across multiple points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement with measuring tool is used, then the device structure remains simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates and measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measuring tool with an optical measurement system using laser distance meters and angle measuring devices. This substitution eliminates manual measurement errors while automating the data collection process, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that automatically processes measurement data from multiple sensors (laser distance meters, angle measuring devices, levels) and calculates slope speed. This intermediary system integrates various measurement components, achieving high measurement accuracy while managing device complexity through centralized control.
2Measurement precision
If only moving distance is measured, then the measurement process is simple, but slope speed cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional measuring module that simultaneously performs distance measurement (via laser distance meters), angle measurement (via angle measuring devices), and slope degree measurement (via levels). This universal measuring system captures multiple parameters needed for accurate slope speed determination without requiring separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional distance measurement to three-dimensional measurement by incorporating angle measuring devices and level instruments. This dimensional expansion captures the golf ball's position in space (distance, angle, and slope degree), enabling accurate slope speed calculation that accounts for green surface variations.
3Productivity
If measurement is performed at single point, then the operation is quick, but the slope speed of entire green cannot be assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary measurement setup by positioning multiple measurement points in advance across the green surface. The system is configured to automatically measure at all predetermined points, allowing comprehensive green assessment without increasing operational complexity during actual measurement execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple measurement points into a single integrated measurement system. The control unit collects data from all measurement points simultaneously or sequentially and processes them together to generate a comprehensive slope speed assessment of the entire green, maintaining measurement efficiency while achieving comprehensive coverage.
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 accurate and efficient measurement of green slope speed by quantifying moving distance and isolated angle, improving measurement accuracy and convenience compared to manual methods, and considering slope degrees in forward, backward, left, and right directions.
Implementation Method 1
distance measuring members adapted to measure the moving distance of the golf ball rolling on the green from the discharging end
Implementation Method 2
distance measuring members adapted to measure the moving distance of the golf ball rolling on the green from the discharging end
Implementation Method 3
angle measuring members adapted to measure the isolated angle of the golf ball rolling on the green from the discharging end
Implementation Method 4
level adapted to measure a degree of slope of the green
Data Source
AI summary
A digital slope meter includes: a shaft extended in a longitudinal direction thereof and having a rolling groove formed on top thereof in the longitudinal direction thereof to allow a golf ball placed thereon to be moved down therealong, when the rear side thereof is tilted up in a state where the front side there is located on a green, and to then roll on the green from a discharging end formed at the front end thereof; and a measuring module located on the shaft to measure a moving distance and an isolated angle of the golf ball rolling on the green from the discharging end when the rear side of the shaft is tilted up.