Golf Swing Practice Apparatus with Rotating Drum and Laser Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf swing practice devices are inadequate for safely accommodating swings above 70 miles per hour, as they often fail to withstand club impact forces and require large spaces or expensive sensor-driven systems, and existing solutions either damage clubs or necessitate cumbersome setup and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A golf swing practice apparatus featuring a rotating drum with laser generating means, an elongated cord tethering a golf ball to the drum, and a frame structure that holds the drum elevated, allowing for safe high-speed swings without large catch nets or expensive simulation systems, while providing visual feedback on ball path and club performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tethered golf ball trainers are used to practice swings, then golf ball hitting practice can be performed in confined areas, but the tether and frame structures cannot withstand club impact forces at club head speeds above 70 miles per hour and may damage the golf club
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tether and frame structure with an optical system. A laser device mounted on the club head projects a laser beam that creates a visual reference path, eliminating the need for physical tethers and frames that cannot withstand high-speed impacts. The laser alignment system provides guidance without mechanical constraints that fail at high club head speeds.
2Loss of information
If laser alignment club trainers are used to visualize ball path, then theoretical path visualization is achieved, but special golf clubs with lasers mounted on or in the shaft or club head are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laser alignment device universal by designing it as a separate training apparatus that can work with standard golf clubs. The laser device is mounted on a stationary structure or held independently, allowing any golfer to use their own club without requiring specially modified clubs with built-in lasers. This multi-functional design serves both alignment guidance and ball path visualization.
3Loss of information
If sensor-driven computer simulation systems are used to simulate real play, then theoretical ball path computation and display is achieved, but the systems are expensive, difficult to install, and require large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive laser generating means instead of expensive sensor-driven computer simulation systems. The laser device provides immediate visual feedback through simple laser beams that show the intended ball path, eliminating the need for costly sensors, computers, and complex software. The system is portable, easy to set up, and provides sufficient training value without requiring large spaces or difficult installations.
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 apparatus safely handles high-speed swings, prevents club damage, and offers convenient, cost-effective home-use training with accurate visual feedback on ball flight and club performance, allowing for efficient practice without the need for extensive space or expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the plurality of laser generating means generates a laser beam which propagates substantially along the path of the golf ball
Data Source
AI summary
A golf swing practice apparatus is provided including a rotating drum, a plurality of laser generating means mounted on the rotating drum, an elongated cord including a proximal end secured to the rotating drum and a distal end secured to a golf ball whereby the golf ball is tethered to the rotating drum, a base member having an impact area over which a user may swing a golf club, and a frame structure secured to the base member and to the rotating drum whereby the frame structure holds the rotating drum in an elevated position above the base member. The rotating drum rotates with the golf ball when the golf ball is struck by the user. At least one of the plurality of laser generating means generates a laser beam which propagates substantially along the path of the golf ball. Additionally, at least one of the plurality of laser generating means generates a laser beam which propagates parallel to a theoretical path of a fairway.