Elastic Golf Disc Retainer for Mixed Rim Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disc golf storage solutions fail to effectively stabilize and protect discs of varying diameters and rim profiles during transport, leading to damage from jostling and abrasion.

Innovation Solution

A golf disc retainer formed from an elastic material, such as closed-cell foam, that self-adjusts to the diameter and rim profile of each disc, engaging at multiple arc segments to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement, using a wedge-shaped design to securely hold discs of different sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid storage compartments are used to hold golf discs, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different disc sizes and rim profiles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different disc sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible side rails made of elastic material that can deform and conform to different disc diameters and rim profiles. These flexible elements maintain structural integrity while adapting to various disc geometries, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic material's physical parameters (flexibility, compression resistance) are specifically selected to enable the retainer to adapt to different disc sizes while maintaining sufficient structural stability. The material properties allow the structure to dynamically adjust its configuration based on the disc being held.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom-fitted retainers are made for each disc size, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different disc sizesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer design uses elastic side rails that can accommodate multiple disc sizes and rim profiles within a single structure. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple custom-fitted retainers, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability across different disc types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer incorporates dynamic, flexible elements that can change their configuration continuously to match different disc geometries. This dynamic adaptability replaces the need for multiple static, custom-fitted components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If elastic material is used to accommodate varying disc sizes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different disc sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic side rails are designed with inherent flexibility that compensates for variations in disc dimensions. This flexibility reduces the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, as the material can naturally accommodate size variations through elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic material's physical parameters are selected to provide an optimal balance between adaptability and manufacturability. The material properties enable the structure to function effectively across a range of disc sizes without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing, thereby reducing production complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Prevents damage to discs by immobilizing them within the storage compartment, reducing potential for nicks and abrasions, and maintaining disc integrity during transport.

Implementation Method 1

at least portions of the golf disc retainer comprise an elastic material which self-adjusts the differing diameters and rim profiles of individual discs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12582889B2Golf disc retainer

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 GOTTA GO GOTTA THROW INC

AI summary

One example provides a golf disc retainer for use with a storage container, the golf disc retainer including a body extending longitudinally between opposing first and second ends and laterally between opposing first and second sides, the body comprising an elastic material and including a central base portion extending between the first and second ends, and a pair of opposing side rails extending between the first and second ends along opposing longitudinal sides of the central base portion. Upper surfaces of the central base portion and the pair of opposing side rails together define a wedge-shaped space extending between the first and second ends, the wedge-shaped space to receive golf discs positioned vertically to the upper surfaces and perpendicularly to the opposing side rails with the elastic material of the upper surfaces of the central base portion and the opposing side rails to engage and conform about respective arc segments along a circumferential rim of each golf disc.