Golf Cart Path Control System for Fairway Turf Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-driving technologies for golf carts on golf courses face challenges in minimizing turf damage while providing golfer convenience, as existing systems lack effective path determination and management to avoid repeated cart traffic on fairways.
Innovation Solution
A golf-shot-tracking-self-driving-path central controlling system that determines and manages predetermined paths for golf carts to self-drive, using modules for path determination, golf ball next-shot location tracking, and path control to guide carts along optimized routes, thereby reducing turf damage and enhancing golfer convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If self-driving golf carts are allowed to operate freely on the golf course, then golfer convenience is improved, but turf damage increases due to repeated cart traffic on fairways
Solution Approach 1:
The fairway is divided into multiple predetermined paths (first path, second path, third path, etc.) that are segmented and distributed across the golf course. Each path serves as a dedicated lane for golf cart traffic, preventing concentrated wear on any single area while providing multiple routing options for golfer convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns and switches between different predetermined paths based on real-time conditions. The path switching mechanism allows the golf cart to transition from one predetermined path to another, enabling adaptive route selection that balances traffic distribution across the fairway while maintaining convenient access for golfers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple predetermined paths are established for golf carts, then turf damage is reduced through path distribution, but system complexity increases due to path management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The golf cart system performs self-path-selection and automatic path switching without requiring external intervention. The control unit automatically determines which predetermined path to follow based on the golf ball location and cart position, eliminating the need for complex manual path management while still achieving traffic distribution across multiple paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from GPS location data and golf ball tracking information to dynamically adjust path selection. The control unit continuously receives position information and automatically switches between predetermined paths based on real-time conditions, simplifying path management through automated decision-making rather than complex pre-planning.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the golf cart is limited to predetermined paths, then turf damage is minimized, but golfer convenience may be reduced due to restricted routing options
Solution Approach 1:
The fairway is divided into multiple predetermined paths that are spatially segmented and distributed across different areas of the golf course. This segmentation provides multiple routing options for golf carts, allowing the system to offer convenient service to golfers in different locations while keeping each individual path constrained to minimize turf damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between multiple predetermined paths based on real-time conditions such as golf ball location and cart position. This dynamic path switching provides flexible routing options that adapt to different golfer needs and course conditions, maintaining convenience while adhering to the constraints of predetermined paths for turf protection.
4Measurement precision
If real-time golf ball tracking is implemented to determine next shot location, then path selection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The golf cart's GPS positioning system serves multiple functions: it tracks the cart's own position for navigation, determines the golf ball's location through coordinated tracking, and provides data for path selection decisions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized tracking equipment, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high measurement precision for next shot location determination.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a golf-shot-tracking-self-driving-path central controlling system, comprising a predetermined-paths-determining module, a golf-ball-next-shot-location determining module and a path driving controlling module, to centrally control each of a plurality of golf-shot-tracking fairway-self-driving golf carts to drive in one of a plurality of predetermined paths or shift among the plurality of predetermined paths.