Folding Pitch Mark Repair Tool for Safe One-Handed Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pitch mark repair tools are either prone to causing damage due to sharp tines or have complex, unreliable mechanisms, and often require two hands to deploy the tines effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pitch mark repair tool with a folding mechanism using pivot pins and magnets that allows single-handed deployment of tines, featuring a symmetrical design with handles that rotate around hinges to switch between retracted and extended configurations, eliminating the need for springs or complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple spike or 2-pronged fork is used to repair pitch marks, then the tool is simple and effective, but the sharp tines can form holes in pockets or injure users
Solution Approach 1:
The tines are nested within the handle when not in use, with the handle forming a protective enclosure around the sharp elements. The handle acts as a container that shields the tines from contacting other objects (like pocket fabric) unless deliberately deployed for pitch mark repair
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transitions from a static simple fork to a dynamic system where the tines can be deployed and retracted. The handle can be rotated to extend the tines for use, then folded back to protect them, providing adaptability between functional and protective states
2Volume of moving object
If a hinge mechanism is used to fold the body and tines into the handle, then the tool is compact, but the hinge can be stiff and requires two hands to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hinge mechanism with a rotation-based deployment system. Instead of a stiff hinge requiring two hands, the handle rotates around a pivot point, allowing single-handed operation while achieving the same compact folding effect
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into distinct segments (handle and body/tines) that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows independent movement of components, enabling easy single-handed deployment without the stiffness problems of integrated hinge mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If a button mechanism is used to deploy the body and tines, then deployment is easier, but the mechanism comprises numerous parts and is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex button mechanism and its numerous parts from the design. Instead, it uses a simple rotation-based system with minimal components, eliminating the reliability issues associated with multi-part mechanisms while maintaining ease of deployment
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a button to push the tines out (complex mechanism), the design inverts the approach by using a rotation motion that naturally extends the tines. The rotation itself performs the deployment function, eliminating the need for separate actuating mechanisms
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 tool provides a safe, reliable, and efficient means to repair pitch marks with minimal effort, offering additional functionalities like a golf club stand, ball marker, fidget toy, Alzheimer's abatement, and self-defense, while avoiding damage and complexity issues of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet provided in one of the handles, the magnet being capable of attracting a magnetic component in the body to hold the tool in the extended configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A tool comprises a generally planar body having a first end and a second end from which projects at least one tine. The tool comprises two handles each having a first end and a second end. A hinge is located between the body and each handle adjacent the first end of each handle. A channel is defined in each handle between their first and second ends, the channels being capable of enclosing the body and tines in a first retracted configuration wherein the body and tines are folded into the channels in both handles, and in an extended configuration, the body and tines are unfolded from the handles. The tool can be used for repairing pitch marks in the game of golf.