Golf Ball Return Device Using Mat Thickness for Gravity Kick-Back
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf ball return devices for putting mats require the ball to roll up a slope before being returned, which can be inefficient and inconvenient for golfers.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball return device that leverages the height of the putting mat to gravitate the ball towards a powered kick-back mechanism, eliminating the need for a slope, using a collector with a ball roll surface and a kick-back device triggered by gravitational forces to return the ball to the golfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a powered kick-back mechanism is used to return the ball, then the ball can be returned to the golfer, but the ball must first go up a slope which increases device complexity and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary slope component from the ball return system. By using the putting mat's existing thickness to provide ball elevation, the patent removes the need for a separate slope structure, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining efficient ball return functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The putting mat's thickness naturally elevates the ball to the required height, making the system self-sufficient. The mat structure itself provides the elevation function that would otherwise require a separate slope component, eliminating the need for additional structures and reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the ball is made to go up a slope to gain height, then the powered kick-back mechanism can function, but this increases the distance and time for ball return
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of elevating the ball by making it travel up a slope (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using the putting mat's thickness to provide elevation at the starting position. The ball begins at an elevated position and rolls downward, eliminating the need to travel up an incline and reducing total travel time.
Solution Approach 2:
The putting mat's thickness pre-provides the necessary elevation for the ball before the kick-back action occurs. This preliminary elevation is built into the mat structure itself, so the ball is already positioned at the correct height without requiring additional travel or time to gain elevation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a slope is used to facilitate ball movement, then gravitational force can be utilized, but the overall system becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the slope component from the system while retaining gravitational energy utilization. By using the putting mat's thickness to provide elevation, the patent eliminates the need for a separate slope structure that would reduce efficiency, allowing gravitational force to act on the ball rolling downward without the losses associated with upward slope traversal.
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 efficient and convenient ball return without the need for a slope, allowing golfers to focus on their putting without the hassle of retrieving the ball, improving practice efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the golf ball return device leverages the height of the ball above the floor due to the thickness of the putting mat to gravitate the ball towards a ball kick area
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball return device for putting mats that does not require a golf ball to go up a ramp for it to be returned to the golfer. This is achieved by utilizing the thickness of the putting mat to gravitate the golf ball to a ball kick area from where a kick-back device bounces the golf ball back to the golfer.