Configurable Golf Green Surface with Movable Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf simulation systems lack realistic and challenging contouring for short game practice, particularly putting, as they typically present a flat, level environment that does not accurately represent the varied surfaces of real golf greens.
Innovation Solution
A golf simulation system with a configurable upper surface featuring a plurality of movable surface elements that can adjust to create various contours, supported by a covering and a covering support assembly with movement actuators, allowing for the simulation of realistic golf green surfaces with peaks, valleys, and complex shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flat, level surface is used for golf simulation, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the realism and challenge of the simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static flat surface into a dynamic, adjustable surface. The green simulation apparatus uses movable surface elements that can be repositioned to create various contour configurations, allowing the surface to adapt between flat and contoured states. This enables the system to provide both ease of operation (flat surface) and realism (contoured surface) at different times based on training needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous green surface into discrete movable surface elements. These individual elements can be independently positioned to create different contour patterns, allowing the system to generate varied realistic green surfaces while maintaining a manageable structure that doesn't overly complicate the overall device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If movable surface elements with adjustable contours are implemented, then the realism of the green surface is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different portions of the green surface to have different contour characteristics. Each movable surface element can be independently positioned to create local variations in elevation and slope, replicating the diverse local conditions found on real golf greens without requiring the entire surface to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation to break down the complex task of creating realistic green contours into manageable discrete elements. By using multiple independent surface elements rather than a single complex mechanism, the system achieves high realism while keeping individual components simple and the overall device complexity controlled.
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform gaps between surface elements are configured, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability of contour configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using uniformly sized surface elements with consistent gaps between them. This standardization simplifies manufacturing and assembly while the modular nature of the segmented elements allows for flexible arrangement into various contour patterns, balancing manufacturing precision with configuration adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing surface elements with uniform gaps that can serve multiple functions. The consistent gap configuration simplifies manufacturing and ensures predictable behavior, while the same uniform elements can be arranged in different patterns to create various contour configurations, making the system universally applicable to different green conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A green simulation apparatus having a configurable upper surface with a changeable contour may comprise a covering forming the upper surface and a covering support assembly configured to support the covering. The support assembly may comprise a plurality of movable positioning elements having the covering resting thereon and positioned in an array extending in a reference plane and movable along axes extending substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. The support assembly may comprise a movement actuator configured to move at least one of the positioning elements independently of other positioning elements in the array. The plurality of positioning elements may include active positioning elements and passive positioning elements, with the active positioning elements being associated with a movement actuator and the passive positioning elements not being associated with a movement actuator.