Golf Ball Aligning Device with Crosshair Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning golf balls during putting are time-consuming and physically demanding, especially for players with mobility issues, as they require frequent bending and adjusting to ensure accurate alignment, which can slow down gameplay and cause strain.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball aligning device with a shaft and handle, featuring a head member with a chamfered or rounded ball opening and an alignment grid, allowing for quick and precise orientation of the golf ball from a standing position using target crosshairs, enabling easier alignment and square contact with the putter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual alignment methods are used, then alignment precision can be achieved, but alignment time and physical effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment device as an intermediary tool between the golfer and the golf ball. This device includes a head member with a ball opening that receives the golf ball, and alignment markings on the head member that provide visual references for proper ball positioning and putter alignment. The device mediates the alignment process by providing fixed geometric references, eliminating the need for the golfer to manually measure and calculate alignment angles, thus reducing alignment time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device enables self-service alignment by incorporating alignment markings directly on the head member that are visible to the golfer during the addressing phase. The golfer can independently position the ball in the ball opening and verify alignment using the markings without requiring external assistance or complex manual measurement procedures, thereby speeding up the alignment process.
2Measurement precision
If frequent bending and adjusting are performed for accurate alignment, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but player strain and mobility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device serves as a mediator that provides stable, fixed alignment references on the head member. The alignment markings are positioned on the head member in a location and orientation that allows the golfer to view them from a natural standing posture without excessive bending. This mediates the conflict between maintaining alignment accuracy and reducing physical strain by providing accessible visual references.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the alignment reference system from the ground plane to the vertical dimension by placing alignment markings on the head member that are visible at eye level or near eye level. This dimensional shift allows golfers with mobility issues to align the ball without severe bending, as they can view the markings from a more upright position, thus reducing strain while maintaining alignment accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If manual ball positioning is used, then ball placement can be adjusted, but alignment speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device acts as an intermediary that combines ball positioning and alignment verification into a single integrated action. The golfer places the ball in the ball opening of the head member, and the alignment markings immediately provide feedback on whether the ball is correctly positioned and aligned. This integrated approach eliminates the need for separate manual positioning and alignment checking steps, thereby increasing alignment speed while maintaining placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment markings on the head member provide preliminary visual guidance before the golfer finalizes ball placement. The markings indicate the correct position and orientation, allowing the golfer to make quick adjustments without trial and error. This preliminary guidance accelerates the ball positioning process while maintaining the flexibility to adjust ball placement as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball aligning device comprises a shaft having a first and a second end, a handle mounted to the first end and a head member mounted to the second end. The head member further comprises a ball opening extending through the height of the head member having a chamfered or rounded bottom edge to engage a golf ball. An alignment grid on the top face of the head member comprises a crosshair pattern centered with the ball opening. A golf ball engaged with the bottom edge may be manipulated and oriented relative to the alignment grid for setting the trajectory of a shot.