Golf Ball Tee Setting Device with Trigger-Operated Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball and tee setting and retrieving devices are complex, expensive, and difficult to operate, especially for golfers with physical limitations, as they require bending and lack precision in tee insertion depth and ball grasping.
Innovation Solution
A device with a handle, trigger-operated arms, and adjustable ball cup that allows golfers to set and retrieve tees and balls from a standing position, featuring a simple design for affordability and ease of use, with a stand for upright positioning and a mechanism to control tee depth and ball placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grabber arm architecture is used to allow golfers to set and retrieve balls without bending, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases making manufacture expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a handle assembly for user control, a telescopic shaft for depth adjustment, a ball cup for ball engagement, and a tee holder for tee positioning. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the mechanical linkage system, allowing complex functionality to be achieved through simple, manufacturable components.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical linkage system acts as an intermediary between the trigger mechanism and the ball cup/tee holder. This linkage translates the triggering action into coordinated movement of both the ball cup and tee holder, enabling simultaneous engagement and retrieval operations without requiring complex direct control mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If adjustable ball cup mechanism is added to control ball placement height, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball cup is mounted on a telescopic shaft that can extend and retract, allowing dynamic adjustment of the ball cup's position relative to the tee holder. This enables precise control of ball placement height and tee insertion depth through simple telescopic movement rather than complex multi-component adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows preliminary positioning of the ball cup at the desired height before the actual tee insertion and ball placement operations. The telescopic shaft can be adjusted in advance to set the correct ball elevation, ensuring measurement precision is achieved through pre-positioning rather than complex real-time adjustment during operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple design is used to reduce manufacturing cost, then ease of manufacture is improved, but functionality may be insufficient for precise tee insertion and ball retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs multiple functions using a unified mechanical structure: the same telescopic shaft and linkage system control both tee insertion depth and ball placement height, while the trigger mechanism simultaneously actuates both the ball cup release and tee holder positioning. This multi-functionality is achieved through simple, standardized components rather than separate specialized mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball cup and tee holder operations are merged into a single coordinated system controlled by the trigger mechanism. Both the ball cup release and tee holder positioning are actuated simultaneously through the mechanical linkage, combining what could be separate functions into one integrated operation that reduces overall device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is disclosed for setting a golf ball and tee in the ground and then for retrieving the golf ball and tee. The device has a handle end for being held in the hand of a user along with a ball pick-up end which engages a golf ball and tee so that the golf ball and the tee can be placed in the ground and then picked up. The handle end also has a trigger which is used to operate arms located at the pickup end which arms engage the ball and tee wherein a first rod connects the trigger to the arms of the pickup end. The first rod passes through a shaft and connects the trigger to the arms. An adjuster in the handle end operates a second rod which also passes through the shaft which controls a ball cup which is used to set the ball onto the tee which tee is then placed in the ground. Additionally, a stand is provided for insertion into the ground so that the device can be held in an upright position for being easily grasped by a user.