Thermoformable Golf Mat Surface Pattern Creation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf practice mats struggle to create uniform, durable, and economically feasible surface indications that simulate a natural grass surface, particularly when trying to incorporate alignment aids or advertising indicia.
Innovation Solution
A golf practice mat with an upper surface made of thermoformable material is heat-deformed using a die to create durable and accurate surface patterns, allowing the material to set in the deformed shape, which can include alignment lines, logos, or other practice aids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional methods are used to create surface indications on grass-simulating mats, then the mat can simulate a natural grass surface, but the surface indications are difficult to form uniformly, durably, or economically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies heat and pressure parameters to the thermoformable material to create permanent surface indications. By controlling temperature and pressure during the forming process, the material permanently sets into the desired shape, achieving uniform and durable surface indications that are difficult to obtain through traditional mechanical methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting or stamping methods with a thermal forming process. Instead of using mechanical forces to create surface indications, the invention uses controlled heating and pressure to permanently deform the thermoformable material, resulting in more uniform and durable indications
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the mat surface is made durable to withstand repeated club strikes, then the mat can be used repeatedly for practice, but surface indications become difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the surface indication creation process with the mat manufacturing process itself. By forming the surface indications during the initial thermoforming of the mat, the indications become an integral part of the durable structure rather than a separate layer that could wear away or fade over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates surface indications during the initial manufacturing stage before the mat is put into service. This preliminary action ensures that the indications are built into the durable structure from the beginning, rather than being applied later as separate markings that would be vulnerable to wear from repeated club strikes
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
The method allows for the creation of durable, economically feasible surface patterns on the mat that simulate a natural grass surface, providing effective alignment and advertising indicia while maintaining the mat's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
heating the upper surface substantially to the melting temperature of the thermoformable material
Implementation Method 2
applying a die to the upper surface to deform the upper surface in a shape corresponding to the die
Implementation Method 3
allowing the upper surface to set into the shape
Data Source
AI summary
A golf practice mat including a surface pattern formed by thermally deforming and allowing setting of the deformed mat surface.