Telescoping Golf Ball Retrieval Apparatus with Cam Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golfers with limited physical capabilities face discomfort and strain when bending to retrieve golf balls from cupped holes, which can negatively impact their game.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball retrieval apparatus comprising an outer tube and inner shaft with a suction cup and cam system, allowing golfers to retrieve balls while remaining upright, using a telescoping mechanism that secures the inner shaft within the outer tube and utilizes suction to grasp the ball.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If golfers bend down to retrieve golf balls from cupped holes, then they can retrieve the balls, but they experience muscle strain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retrieval apparatus as an intermediary tool between the golfer and the golf ball. The apparatus includes a suction cup mechanism that attaches to the ball and a telescoping rod with cam system that provides mechanical advantage for lifting the ball out of the cup without requiring the golfer to bend down, thus eliminating muscle strain while maintaining retrieval capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of bending and lifting with a suction-based retrieval system. The suction cup creates a vacuum seal to hold the ball, and the telescoping rod with cam mechanism provides controlled mechanical lifting, substituting the golfer's body mechanics with a engineered mechanical system that eliminates strain
2Ease of operation
If a telescoping mechanism is used to retrieve the ball, then golfers can remain upright, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the inner shaft is received within the outer tube, creating a telescoping mechanism. The cam system is mounted on the inner shaft and interacts with the outer tube to provide locking and telescoping functions. This nested arrangement allows the mechanism to be compact when not in use while providing the necessary telescoping action for retrieval, managing complexity through space-efficient design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements including the telescoping rod that can extend and retract, and the cam system that provides intermittent locking and unlocking actions. These dynamic mechanisms allow the device to adapt between different operational states (retrieval mode vs. storage mode) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled motion
3Ease of operation
If a suction cup is used to grasp the ball, then the retrieval process is simplified, but the reliability of ball retention may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup acts as an intermediary between the retrieval mechanism and the golf ball. It creates a vacuum seal that reliably holds the ball during retrieval operations. The cam system then provides a mechanical interface for controlling the suction cup's attachment and detachment, ensuring reliable ball retention while simplifying the overall retrieval operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical gripping with a suction-based retention system. The vacuum created by the suction cup provides a reliable hold on the ball that is independent of direct mechanical contact, thereby improving reliability while simplifying the retrieval mechanism. The cam system provides the necessary mechanical control for activating and deactivating the suction
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 golfers to retrieve golf balls without bending, reducing muscle strain and allowing for pain-free play, while maintaining an upright stance and ensuring easy handling and durability.
Implementation Method 1
A suction cup is provided having a cup portion and a tubular securing portion with the cup portion of the suction cup being capable of releasably grasping the golf ball
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball retrieval apparatus for retrieving a golf ball from a cupped hole is provided. The golf ball retrieval apparatus comprises an outer tube and an inner shaft slidably receivable within the outer tube. A retrieval mechanism is mounted to the inner shaft and capable of releasably grasping the golf ball. A cam system is mounted to the inner shaft for substantially centering the inner shaft within the outer tube and impeding the movement of the inner shaft within the outer tube. Interaction of the cam system and the outer tube impedes movement of the inner shaft within the outer tube and releasably, frictionally secures a desired position of the inner shaft relative to the outer tube. Golfers are enabled to facilitate expedient retrieval of a golf ball from a cupped hole or other location while remaining in a substantially upright position.