Golf Alignment Rod Holder for Diverse Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Golfers face challenges in practicing with alignment rods on surfaces that do not allow for stable insertion, such as hard or soft ground, and require frequent adjustments due to divot creation, limiting accessibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A portable alignment rod holder that securely holds the rod at various angles without anchoring, comprising a centerpiece and base pieces, allowing easy setup and repositioning, suitable for use on various surfaces including driving range mats and hard ground.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If alignment rod is inserted into the ground, then the rod can be positioned at different angles for drills, but the rod becomes unstable on soft ground and difficult to insert on hard ground

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to perform drills on different surfacesVSAvoidstability of alignment rod

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a holder device as an intermediary between the alignment rod and the ground surface. This holder provides a stable base with pre-formed holes that accommodate the alignment rod at various angles, eliminating the need to directly insert the rod into the ground. The holder adapts to different surfaces (grass, hard ground, indoor surfaces) while maintaining rod stability through its weighted base and structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If alignment rod is inserted into the ground in grass, then the rod can be positioned for drills, but the rod requires frequent repositioning due to divot creation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup of alignment rodVSAvoidtime for moving and reinserting rod

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the alignment rod from the ground-contacting component by introducing a reusable holder. The holder remains stationary on the ground while the alignment rod can be easily removed and repositioned within different holes of the same holder, or the entire holder can be moved as a unit. This segmentation eliminates the need to reinsert the rod into new ground locations, saving time and maintaining consistent drill setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If alignment rod drills are performed on surfaces prohibiting insertion, then accessibility to drills is limited, but a holder device enables drills on diverse surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurfaces suitable for alignment rod drillsVSAvoidstructure of holder device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder device is designed with universal applicability across multiple surface types (grass, hard ground, indoor surfaces, driving range mats). It features multiple holes at various angles to accommodate different drill requirements, making it a multi-functional device that replaces the need for surface-specific alignment rod insertion methods. The relatively simple structure consists of a base with holes and optional weighting, providing high versatility without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9604119B2Golf alignment rod holder

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 KRONZER COREY

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention include an alignment rod holder that holds an alignment rod at different angles to provide reference points and feedback for golf practice drills. The device is comprised of a centerpiece, which holds the alignment rod, and two base pieces.