Golf Hole Laser Range Finder With Centerline Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measuring devices for determining the distance from a golf ball to the center of a golf hole are inaccurate, particularly in high-stake situations, due to difficulties in establishing the center of the hole and compensating for sag or non-central ball measurements.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball range finder that provides 360-degree range determination about the vertical central axis of the golf ball hole, using a pivotable laser range finder capable of accurate distance measurement from the vertical centerline of the hole to the golf ball, regardless of the ball's location, and adaptable for both custom and standard golf holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measuring devices are used to determine distance from golf ball to hole center, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision is only accurate to within 1/4 inch due to inability to establish hole center and compensate for sag
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a base member that establishes the hole center, a vertical member that provides height adjustment, and a laser range finder that performs measurements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall measurement precision to within 1/1000 of an inch.
Solution Approach 2:
A target member with a center mark is introduced as an intermediary element. The laser range finder measures distance to this target mark rather than directly to the hole center, allowing indirect but precise determination of the ball-to-hole-center distance. This intermediary enables accurate measurement without requiring direct alignment with the actual hole center.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-position measuring devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability is limited to specific hole configurations and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical member is designed to be adjustable in height, allowing the laser range finder to be positioned at different vertical levels. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to adapt to various hole depths and ball positions, maintaining measurement accuracy across different golf hole configurations while using a relatively simple telescoping or sliding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal applicability through its adjustable vertical member and rotatable laser range finder, allowing it to measure distances to balls at various positions around the hole (front, back, left, right, or any intermediate position). The same base member that establishes the hole center serves multiple functions including providing a stable mounting platform and defining the measurement reference point.
3Reliability
If manual center-establishing methods are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the reliability of measurement is compromised due to sag and non-central measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is pre-configured with features that automatically establish the hole center position before measurement begins. This preliminary center-establishing action eliminates the need for manual alignment during measurement, ensuring consistent and reliable results. The base member may include centered mounting features or alignment indicators that guarantee proper positioning without requiring operator skill or judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure itself provides the center-establishing function through its geometric design. The vertical member is positioned at the center of the base member, and the laser range finder is mounted on the vertical member, creating a self-aligning system where the measurement instrument automatically references the hole center defined by the base member, eliminating the need for external center-finding tools or procedures.
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 precise distance measurements to within 1/1000 of an inch, ensuring accurate and consistent results across various golf hole configurations, addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pivotable laser range finder for determining accurate distances from a golf ball hole
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball range finder that rests in either a custom leveled and aligned pin, or a standard pin of a golf green, and rotationally and vertically aligns a laser range finder onto all the golf balls in the vicinity. The golf ball range finder has mechanisms to align it vertically, horizontally and to adjust for differences in the depth of the pin so that its rotational axis resides collinear with a vertical axis passing through the midpoint of the pin.