Configurable Golf Green Surface with Movable Positioning Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf simulation systems lack realism and challenge, particularly for short game practice, as they typically provide a flat and level surface that does not accurately represent the contours of actual golf greens.
Innovation Solution
A golf simulation system with a configurable upper surface featuring a changeable contour, achieved through a covering supported by a movable positioning element assembly that can adjust vertically and independently, allowing for the creation of varied and realistic green surfaces, including raised areas and valleys, to simulate actual golf course conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat and level surface is used for golf simulation, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the realism and challenge of the simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The green surface is divided into multiple independently controllable positioning elements (hydraulic cylinders) arranged in a grid pattern. Each element can be adjusted individually to create different contour configurations, allowing the surface to be segmented into various elevation zones that replicate real green contours while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning elements are made dynamically adjustable through hydraulic actuators that can change the vertical position of each surface segment in real-time. This allows the green surface to transition between flat and contoured configurations, providing variable realism levels and adapting to different practice scenarios without requiring multiple fixed structures
2Reliability
If a configurable upper surface with changeable contour is implemented, then the realism and challenge of the simulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the covering, enable vertical adjustment for contour creation, and allow independent positioning for various green configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the added capability for realistic contouring
3Adaptability or versatility
If positioning elements are made movable and independently adjustable, then the adaptability of the simulation surface is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that respond to user input or pre-programmed sequences to adjust the positioning elements. This feedback-based control automates the complex coordination required to move multiple independently adjustable elements, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability through automated contour configuration
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 plurality of vertically movable positioning elements forming an array on which the covering rests. Each positioning element has a head, a bottom element, and a support frame positioned between the head and bottom element. The support frame includes at least a first frame member and a second frame member each having opposite ends and being pivotally connected together at a cross-over point spaced from opposite ends of the frame members in a scissor-like configuration such that convergence of the frame members raises the head and divergence of the frame members lowers the head.