Golf Club Head Blower Layout to Clear Putting Surface Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golfers face challenges in efficiently removing debris from the putting surface without manual effort, which can be time-consuming and lead to fatigue, especially when large amounts of debris are present, and existing solutions like leaf blowers are not conveniently portable or require labor.
Innovation Solution
A golf club with a selectively operated blower assembly integrated within the club head, powered by a battery, that allows for automatic debris removal without the need for manual bending, featuring a squirrel cage or axial fan design to maintain air pressure and velocity, and optionally includes a detachable flashlight for improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a golfer manually removes debris from the putting surface, then debris is removed, but the golfer experiences fatigue and potential back injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of bending and picking debris with an electrical-powered air blower system integrated into the golf club. The blower uses electrical power to generate airflow that removes debris automatically, substituting the golfer's physical mechanical effort with an automated electromechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The golf club becomes self-serving by incorporating a blower assembly that automatically removes debris without requiring the golfer to manually intervene. The device serves itself by having the built-in blower clear the putting surface around the ball, eliminating the need for the golfer to bend and pick up debris.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a leaf blower is used to remove debris, then debris removal is effective, but the device is not portable and requires labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the debris removal function with the golf club itself by integrating a blower assembly, power source, and control mechanisms into the club's structure. This combination allows the golf club to serve dual purposes: playing golf and removing debris, eliminating the need for a separate portable leaf blower device.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower assembly, including the fan, motor, and power source, is nested within the hollow interior of the golf club shaft and head. The compact components are arranged to fit inside the club's existing structure, making the debris removal system portable and storable in a golf bag alongside other clubs.
3Device complexity
If air movement devices are located in the grip or shaft, then the club structure is simple, but air flow and velocity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air movement devices from the grip or shaft locations and relocates them directly into the club head, specifically positioning the blower assembly adjacent to the clubface. This extraction eliminates the intermediate air path through the shaft, preventing air flow and velocity loss while maintaining relatively simple club structure.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the club is electrically operated, then extended operation is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by employing an electric motor to drive a fan blade that generates controlled airflow. The electrical system powers the motor, which converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, creating a continuous supply of air pressure and flow for extended debris removal operation.
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 solution enables quick and efficient debris removal, reducing golfer fatigue and providing a convenient, portable means to clear surfaces without manual effort, while being discreetly storable in a golf bag.
Implementation Method 1
Locating the blower assembly within the club head itself prevents air flow and air velocity loss as compared to positioning the air blower assembly within the shaft or the grip
Implementation Method 2
The power source for the apparatus can be provided in the grip, in the club head, or in both
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for directing airflow for moving debris across a surface is provided. The apparatus includes a shaft, and a golf club head coupled to the shaft at an end opposite the grip. The club head includes a blower assembly within the club head, the blower selectively operable to direct airflow through the club head along a central axis from the club head heel out the club head toe, to move debris to a desired location. Optional embodiments provide varied club head shapes and attachments, and a flashlight removably disposed within the grip, with automatic operation upon removal of the grip from the shaft.