Golf Ball Dispenser With Viewing Window And Flexible Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball dispensers are inconvenient, restrictive, and prone to malfunction due to cumbersome mechanisms, lack of visibility into the number of balls stored, and complex assembly requirements, making it difficult for golfers to efficiently store, transport, and dispense golf balls during a game.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball dispenser with a removable compartment attached to a golf bag via a clip, featuring a front panel with a viewing window, flexible retaining tab for controlled ball extraction, and top opening with retaining strips to securely hold and display multiple golf balls in a vertical stack, allowing easy loading and dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a tubular golf ball holder with vertical stacking is used, then multiple golf balls can be stored in a compact space, but the dispensing mechanism becomes complex and prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into a storage chamber and a dispensing chamber separated by a dispensing opening. This segmentation allows balls to be stored vertically in the storage chamber while only one ball can be accessed at the dispensing opening, eliminating the need for complex dispensing mechanisms while maintaining efficient ball storage and access
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical dispensing mechanisms to push balls out, the invention inverts the approach by allowing balls to be accessed directly through a simple opening at the bottom of the storage chamber. The user can easily grasp and remove balls without any mechanical intervention, simplifying the dispensing process
2Reliability
If a golf ball holder with a closure cap is used, then the balls are protected during transport, but accessing and dispensing balls becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The holder transitions from a closed protective state during transport to an open accessible state during use. The dispensing opening remains accessible while the upper portion can be covered with a closure cap when not in use, allowing the holder to dynamically adapt between protection and accessibility modes based on the situation
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing opening is pre-positioned at the bottom of the storage chamber, allowing balls to be easily accessed and removed without requiring the user to open any caps or covers during normal dispensing operations. The closure cap is only needed for protection during transport, not for regular ball access
3Strength
If multiple components are used in the holder, then the structure is more robust, but assembly and manipulation of parts becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The holder combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the storage chamber, dispensing chamber, and closure cap form one unified unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate components that would require assembly and disassembly, making the holder robust while easy to operate as a single piece
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously provides ball storage, ball dispensing, and transport protection without requiring separate components. The single integrated structure performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate parts, simplifying both assembly and manipulation
4Stability of the object's composition
If the holder is designed to be permanently attached to the golf bag, then stability is improved, but flexibility and ease of installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a fixed permanent state to a movable removable state. The clip can be easily opened and closed to attach or detach the holder from the golf bag, providing dynamic adaptability that maintains stability during use while allowing flexible installation and removal when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball dispenser which attaches to the exterior surface of a golf bag that is upright, rectangular, and capable of holding a plurality of golf balls, is herein disclosed. The dispenser is made of a durable yet flexible plastic material. Stored balls are added through the top of the dispenser through an upper opening. The balls can either be inserted one (1) at a time or in “as-purchased” quantities. In use, to remove a golf ball, the lowest ball is forced upward through a flexible retaining tab, thus releasing the ball through a bottom aperture. The dispenser is attachable to a golf bag with a fastening means.