Golf Cup Ejection Mechanism for Flagstick Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The revised golf rules requiring golfers to putt without removing the flagstick make it difficult to retrieve a golf ball from the cup without damaging the surrounding turf, as the flagstick gets in the way, leading to potential impacts and strain on players, especially the elderly.
Innovation Solution
A golf hole cup with a golf ball ejection device that allows a golf ball to be ejected to the ground by pushing down on the flagstick and returns to its original position when the hand is released, using a drive unit to lift the bottom plate and an elastic mechanism for easy operation without removing the flagstick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flagstick is left inserted in the cup, then the golfer can putt without removing it as per revised rules, but it becomes difficult to retrieve the ball without damaging the surrounding turf
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is divided into two functional parts: the stationary cup body and the movable bottom plate. The bottom plate can be independently pushed upward by the flagstick to eject the ball, while the cup body remains fixed. This segmentation allows the ball retrieval function to operate separately from the cup structure, enabling easy ball ejection without removing the flagstick and without damaging the surrounding turf.
2Ease of operation
If the golfer picks up the ball manually with the flagstick in place, then the ball can be retrieved, but the finger or ball may rub against the edge (turf) around the cup causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The ball ejection function is extracted from the manual picking process and integrated into the cup structure itself. By pushing the bottom plate upward through the flagstick, the ball is ejected directly from the cup without requiring the golfer's hand to reach near the cup edge. This extracts the harmful contact between finger/ball and turf edge, eliminating the damage risk while maintaining easy ball retrieval.
3Ease of operation
If the golfer bends deeply to pick up the ball, then the ball can be retrieved, but it imposes burdens on legs or waist especially for elderly players
Solution Approach 1:
The cup structure itself performs the ball ejection function by pushing the bottom plate upward through the flagstick mechanism. This self-service design eliminates the need for the golfer to bend down and manually retrieve the ball. The system serves itself by using the flagstick's downward motion to trigger the upward ejection of the ball, completely removing the physical strain on the player's legs and waist.
4Ease of operation
If a mechanical ejection device is added to the cup, then ball retrieval becomes easy without damaging turf, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection mechanism is merged with the cup structure itself rather than being a separate external device. The bottom plate is integrated into the cup body, and the flagstick serves dual purposes: marking the hole and actuating the ejection mechanism. This merging reduces overall system complexity by combining multiple functions (ball retention, ball ejection, and flagstick operation) into a unified structure that uses existing components in innovative ways.
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 easy retrieval of golf balls without damaging the turf and reduces strain on players, allowing one-handed operation and maintaining the integrity of the cup's edge, suitable for all players including the elderly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body (H) that exerts force to make the movable part B return to the original position
Data Source
AI summary
A golf hole cup with a golf ball ejection device includes; a golf hole cup; a movable part accommodated in the cup, the movable part allowing a flagstick ferrule to be inserted therein and removed therefrom, and the movable part being movable vertically with the flagstick left inserted therein; a guide part that guides the movable part vertically; an elastic body that is at a bottom of the movable part, and exerts force to make the movable part having been pushed down return to an original position; a drive unit; a transmission part that is connected to the movable part and transmits downward acting force to the drive unit, the drive unit converting the downward acting force into upward acting force; an elevation part that is elevated upon receiving force from the drive unit; and a bottom plate part that is connected to and is elevated with the elevation part.