Automatic Golf Ball Retrieval System with Rolling Bar Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driving ranges require significant manual labor and machinery to retrieve, clean, and distribute golf balls, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially during busy hours.
Innovation Solution
An automatic golf ball retrieval system comprising a mat, conveyor belt system, cleaning system, and computing system that uses a rolling bar to collect golf balls, washes them, and then automatically dispenses them onto a tee, powered by a combination of batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines, with AI and robotics for automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labor is used to retrieve and distribute golf balls, then the system is simple, but productivity is low and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where golfers automatically receive golf balls through the dispenser mechanism without requiring manual retrieval and distribution by staff. The dispenser automatically detects when a golfer is ready and provides a ball, eliminating the need for human intervention in the ball distribution process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system. The dispenser uses mechanical components including a storage container, dispensing mechanism, and detection sensors to automatically retrieve and distribute golf balls, substituting human labor with an automated mechanical apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If conventional golf ball pickers are used, then golf balls can be collected, but considerable manual labor and gas or electric power are required
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser system performs self-service by automatically collecting and storing golf balls in its internal container after they are hit into the driving area. The system uses sensors to detect ball presence and automatically retrieves balls without requiring external power sources or manual operation, reducing energy consumption while maintaining ease of collection.
3Productivity
If manual ball distribution is used, then golfers receive balls, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning golf balls in the storage container and having the dispensing mechanism ready before a golfer needs a ball. When a golfer approaches or indicates readiness, the system immediately dispenses a ball without requiring manual retrieval or transfer, significantly reducing the time lost in the ball distribution process.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic dispenser provides self-service ball distribution to golfers, eliminating the need for manual ball transfer by staff. The system automatically detects when a golfer is ready and dispenses balls on demand, dramatically increasing distribution speed while reducing the time golfers wait for balls.
4Reliability
If cleaning systems are added, then golf balls can be washed, but additional machinery and manual labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cleaning function with the existing dispenser structure by integrating a cleaning system within the dispenser housing. The cleaning mechanism is combined with the ball storage and dispensing components, allowing golf balls to be washed and dried in-place within the same device that stores and distributes them, thereby improving cleanliness without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
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
The system significantly reduces manual labor, increases efficiency in retrieving and cleaning golf balls, and provides a seamless experience for golfers by automatically replenishing balls on the tee, while also offering payment options in fiat and cryptocurrencies.
Implementation Method 1
powered by a combination of batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines
Implementation Method 2
powered by a combination of batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic golf ball retrieval system comprises a mat, a conveyor belt system, a cleaning system, an automatic tee setter system, and a processor. The mat includes front, middle and back portions, leftmost and rightmost sides, an exterior face and an interior face. The conveyor belt system comprises at least two frames and a rolling bar which moves between upper and lower ends of the at least two frames. The rolling bar forms a raised surface on the exterior face of the mat which engages and pushes the golf balls towards a base which receives and transfers the golf balls to a cleaning system located below the conveyor belt system which cleans the golf balls, an automatic tee setter system transfers at least one golf ball onto a tee from the cleaning system.