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, utilizing a covering supported by a movable positioning element assembly that can adjust vertically to simulate various terrain features, allowing for realistic and customizable simulation of golf greens.
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 segmented into multiple independently controllable positioning elements arranged in an array. Each element can be individually adjusted to create different contour configurations, allowing the system to replicate complex green contours while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning elements are made dynamically adjustable through actuators that enable each element to move between different vertical positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to transform from a static flat surface to a dynamic contoured surface that can be reconfigured to match various green profiles.
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 system divides the green surface into discrete positioning elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows complex contouring functionality to be achieved through simple, identical modular units rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Each positioning element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables contour adjustment, and can be individually actuated. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each control function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movable positioning elements are used to create changeable contours, then the adaptability and versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The array of positioning elements creates a segmented structure where each element is a simple, identical unit. This segmentation enables high adaptability through combinatorial arrangement of simple modules rather than requiring complex customized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves versatility by changing the vertical position parameter of each positioning element independently. By varying this single parameter across multiple elements, a wide range of contour configurations can be created without changing the fundamental structure or adding complex mechanisms.
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.