Foldable Putting Mat with Gravity Ball Return Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable putting devices are inconvenient to store and assemble, often damage the putting mat with repeated use, and require users to retrieve golf balls after each put, lacking an efficient ball return mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A portable putting device featuring a foldable putting mat made of flexible material, a durable housing, and a rotating ball return arrangement that allows golf balls to be automatically returned without user intervention, with optional features like textured surfaces, markings, and adjustable hole sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the putting mat is folded or rolled for storage, then the device is portable and storable, but the mat becomes difficult to store and may become damaged after multiple disassemblies and reassemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a puttable mat and a housing containing the ball return mechanism. This segmentation allows the mat to be easily stored separately without being repeatedly folded and unfolded, reducing wear and damage while maintaining portability.
2Ease of operation
If guardrails are added to prevent the golf ball from leaving the mat, then the ball stays on the mat, but the guardrail becomes damaged after the mat has been disassembled and reassembled multiple times
Solution Approach 1:
The guardrail function is separated from the mat by integrating it into the housing structure. The housing contains the ball return mechanism and provides structural support, eliminating the need for fragile guardrails attached to the mat while still containing the ball effectively.
3Extent of automation
If the device includes a ball return arrangement, then the golf ball is automatically returned without user intervention, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball return mechanism is merged with the housing structure, combining multiple functions (ball containment, ball return, and structural support) into a single integrated component. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball return mechanism operates automatically using the ball's own momentum and gravity. The ball rolls into the housing and is returned to the starting position without requiring external power sources or complex control systems, simplifying the device while achieving automation.
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
The device provides easy storage and assembly, prevents mat damage, and eliminates the need for manual ball retrieval, enhancing user convenience and practice efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The putting mat is configured to be rolled and unroller multiples times without damaging the putting mat
Implementation Method 2
Ball return arrangement has slopes that capture the momentum of the moving golf ball to expedite the ejection of the golf ball from the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A practice putting device that includes a putting mat, a housing, and ball return arrangement.