Golf Ball Putting Practice Apparatus with Adjustable Trap and Return Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball putting practice devices fail to accurately simulate the behavior of a golf ball on a putting green, making it difficult for players to calibrate the force of the putting action against the distance the ball travels to the hole, especially when used on different playing surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball putting practice apparatus featuring a trap with a controllable inclination to capture the ball, a detector to sense its entry, and a golf ball returner that provides a horizontal impulse to return the ball, allowing for adjustable impulse and surface compatibility through adjustable trap angles and mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a golf ball putting practice device is used on different playing surfaces, then it provides convenience for practice, but it fails to accurately simulate the behavior of a golf ball on a putting green
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus changes the physical parameters of the playing surface by providing multiple interchangeable surface segments with different friction coefficients. This allows the simulation to accurately replicate different green conditions while maintaining the convenience of home practice.
Solution Approach 2:
The practice device incorporates multiple functional elements including adjustable surface friction, variable return mechanisms, and configurable trap depths to universally simulate various putting conditions that would otherwise require traveling to different locations.
2Device complexity
If the trap inclination is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different playing surfaces and ball types
Solution Approach 1:
The trap inclination is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing users to modify the angle based on the specific playing surface and ball type being used. This dynamic adjustment capability enables adaptation to various conditions without significantly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap structure is divided into adjustable components that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the inclination angle to be modified while keeping the rest of the apparatus relatively simple and easy to assemble.
3Productivity
If the return mechanism provides strong impulse, then the ball returns quickly, but it may cause inaccurate distance control for practice
Solution Approach 1:
The return mechanism impulse strength is made adjustable, allowing users to configure the ball return force according to their practice needs. This enables both quick returns for efficiency and gentler returns for precise distance control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the impulse parameter of the return mechanism to match different practice scenarios, allowing optimization between return speed and distance control accuracy based on the user's specific training objectives.
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 effectively traps and returns the golf ball, providing a realistic putting practice experience across various surfaces by ensuring accurate distance control and surface adaptation, enhancing the user's ability to calibrate their putting technique.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination of the trap relative to the playing surface is configured or controllable to trap the golf ball
Implementation Method 2
a trap, configured to trap a golf ball between a surface of the trap and a playing surface on which the apparatus is placed, wherein an inclination of the trap relative to the playing surface
Implementation Method 3
a golf ball returner configured to provide, with or without a delay, a substantially horizontal impulse to return the golf ball along the playing surface
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball putting practice apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a trap, that is configured to trap a golf ball between a surface of the trap and a playing surface on which the apparatus is placed. The surface of the trap is inclined at an angle relative to the playing surface. The apparatus also comprises a detector that is configured to detect that the golf ball has entered the trap, and a golf ball returner configured to provide, with or without a delay, a substantially horizontal impulse to return the golf ball along the playing surface in dependence upon detection that the golf ball has entered the trap.