Golf Ball Embedded GPS Locator for Out-of-Sight Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls often go unnoticed and unfindable when they land in uncut grass, shrubbery, or wooded areas, leading to frequent losses, especially for inexperienced players.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electronic device with a GPS receiver, microelectronics, and a transmitter into the ball's plastic core, enabling communication with a smartphone for precise location tracking using short-range wireless communication and GPS navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic device with GPS receiver and transmitter is integrated into the ball, then the ball can be reliably located even when out of sight, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device including GPS receiver, microelectronics, and transmitter is nested within the plastic core of the ball. This nesting approach integrates the complex electronic components into a compact form factor that fits within the ball structure, resolving the contradiction by containing the complexity within a small, organized subsystem while maintaining external simplicity and reliability of location function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device performs multiple functions: GPS signal reception for position determination, signal transmission for communication with external devices, and power management. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single integrated electronic device within the ball, the system achieves reliable location capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If an electronic device with power supply is integrated into the ball, then location tracking is enabled, but the weight of the ball increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is equipped with an integrated power supply that enables the ball to autonomously perform location tracking and communication functions without requiring external power sources. This self-service approach allows the ball to independently maintain its location capabilities, resolving the contradiction by embedding the necessary power infrastructure within the ball itself rather than adding external weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that the electronic device weighs between 0.5g and 5g, representing a controlled parameter change that balances the added weight against the functionality gained. By carefully selecting and optimizing the weight parameters of the electronic components and power supply, the system achieves location tracking capability while minimizing the impact on ball weight.
3Measurement precision
If GPS receiver and transmitter are integrated into the ball, then precise location data is obtained, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct phases: first forming the plastic core with the electronic device and power supply integrated within, then adding the outer casing. This segmentation allows the complex electronic components to be manufactured and tested as a separate module before final assembly, resolving the contradiction by breaking down the manufacturing complexity into manageable stages while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables players to easily and accurately locate balls that are out of sight, reducing the need for multiple balls and providing enhanced gameplay experience by allowing precise pinpointing and tracking of ball positions.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS receiver and/or a direction-finding transmitter or the like can be used for this purpose
Implementation Method 2
a transmitter that communicates with a separate electronic device to thereby enable a player to easily find and locate the ball
Data Source
AI summary
Golf ball with an outer casing has an electronic device housed in a plastic core and includes at least one receiver, a microelectronic device for evaluating and forwarding the received signals and a transmitter and/or receiver. The transmitter or receiver can communicate with a separate electronic device worn by the user. The invention will enable a player to easily find and locate a ball that is not lying on the fairway that cannot be spotted or found with the naked eye.