Golf Ball Alignment Markings for Accurate Putting Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golfers face difficulties in properly aligning a putter club head with a golf ball along an intended direction and accurately stroking the ball, leading to deviations in ball travel, and there is a need for improved alignment and distance measurement during putting.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball with exterior indicia featuring converging line segments that provide alignment references and distance markings, allowing precise alignment with the target and enabling accurate distance estimation using geometric principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional golf balls without alignment markings are used, then the golf ball structure remains simple, but golfers cannot properly align the putter club head with the ball along the intended direction
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is segmented into multiple functional components: a first set of alignment markings for establishing the intended direction, a second set of alignment markings for putter alignment verification, and a third set of distance markings. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive alignment assistance without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment markings serve as an intermediary visual reference system between the golfer and the target. By providing intermediate visual cues (alignment lines and distance markers) on the ball surface, the system mediates the alignment process, making it easier for golfers to achieve proper alignment without requiring complex external alignment devices.
2Measurement precision
If no distance measurement feature is provided, then the golf ball design remains simple, but golfers cannot accurately determine the distance to the hole and the amount of force needed
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball integrates multiple functions into a single device: it serves as the playing object, an alignment reference system, and a distance measurement tool. The indicia on the ball provide both alignment guidance and distance information, eliminating the need for separate alignment devices or distance measurement tools, thus reducing overall system complexity while enhancing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance measurement is achieved by utilizing the rotational dimension of the golf ball. Distance markings are arranged circumferentially around the ball, allowing golfers to rotate the ball to different angular positions and read distance information at various orientations. This dimensional approach enables distance measurement without adding linear complexity to the ball's structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment markings are added to the golf ball, then alignment accuracy improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment markings are positioned at specific angular intervals (e.g., 0 degrees, 120 degrees, 240 degrees) around the ball's circumference. By standardizing the angular parameters and spacing of the markings, the manufacturing process can use precise rotational positioning and template-based application methods, achieving high alignment precision through parameter control rather than complex custom positioning for each marking.
Data Source
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AI summary
A golf ball alignment device includes a golf ball having an exterior surface. Indicia is disposed on the exterior surface of the golf ball. The indicia include first and second line segments extending along a portion of the golf ball at a spaced interval. The spaced interval is narrower at a first end of each line segment than at a second end of each line segment such that the line segments converge from the second end of the line segments to the first end of the line segments. The indicia provide an alignment reference on the golf ball for a user to align the line segments with at least one of an intended direction of travel of the golf ball and a club head used to strike the ball in the intended direction of travel.