Golf Putting Ball Return Track for Jam-Free Practice Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf practice devices suffer from ball return systems that cause balls to roll directly onto the practice pad, disrupt continuity, and get stuck, affecting efficiency and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A golf putting practice machine with a base, ball return slot, practice belt, and ball return track assembly, featuring inclined plates and baffles to guide the ball smoothly into a storage box, preventing jams and ensuring continuous ball return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an arc-shaped design is adopted in the ball return system, then the ball can be returned to the practice pad, but the ball rolls directly onto the practice pad affecting continuity and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The ball return system is divided into multiple segments: ball return slot, inclined plate, and storage box. The ball travels through distinct zones (first ball hole, second ball hole, ball return slot) rather than a single arc-shaped path, allowing controlled movement that prevents direct rolling onto the practice pad and maintains practice continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension with the inclined plate that rises from the practice belt level. This vertical component changes the ball's trajectory from a horizontal arc to a multi-dimensional path that directs the ball into the storage box, preventing direct rolling onto the practice pad
2Productivity
If traditional ball return track design is used, then the ball can be returned, but the ball may get stuck during return affecting usage experience
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the ball return path have different geometric characteristics optimized for ball movement: the ball return slot has specific dimensional constraints, the inclined plate has a controlled slope, and the storage box has appropriate opening dimensions. These localized geometric optimizations ensure smooth ball flow without sticking points
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined plate creates a gravity-assisted path that maintains consistent ball speed and prevents stagnation. By utilizing gravitational force along the inclined surface, the system ensures the ball continuously moves toward the storage box without requiring additional propulsion, eliminating sticking issues
3Reliability
If the ball return track is designed to guide the ball smoothly, then the ball won't get stuck, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined plate serves as an intermediary element between the practice belt and storage box. This single intermediate component simplifies the overall system by providing a straightforward gravity-assisted transition path, avoiding the need for complex mechanical propulsion systems while ensuring reliable ball return
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 design allows for seamless ball return without interruptions, enhancing practice continuity and convenience by ensuring the ball rolls into a storage box after each stroke, improving user experience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the tilting base is provided with a first inclined plate and a second inclined plate integrally formed with the first inclined plate
Implementation Method 2
The left baffle, the right baffle, and the rear baffle are respectively arranged on a left side edge, a right side edge, and a rear side edge of the base
Data Source
AI summary
A golf putting practice machine includes a base, a ball return slot, a practice belt, and a ball return track assembly. The base is provided with at least one first ball hole. The ball return slot is arranged around an outer periphery of the base. The practice belt covers the base, extends longitudinally along the base, and is provided with a second ball hole corresponding to the first ball hole. The second ball hole, the first ball hole and the ball return slot are in communication in sequence. The ball return track assembly is longitudinally arranged on an outer side of the practice belt. A first end of the ball return track assembly is in communication with the ball return slot. A second end of the ball return track assembly is in communication with a storage box configured for accommodating a golf ball rolling out from the ball return slot.