Golf Ball Retriever with Segmented Resilient Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball retrievers are often complex, fragile, and costly due to the need for specialized components, making them difficult to manufacture and maintain, and they often require moving parts that complicate ball capture.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball retriever design featuring a dome-shaped body member with external bosses for securing a resilient retention member, such as a spring, which allows for easy replacement and provides a simple, durable mechanism for capturing golf balls without complex moving parts, combined with a telescoping pole for adjustable retrieval angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a uniquely configured retention member is used for ball capture, then ball retention reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and component replacement becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is divided into multiple identical U-shaped segments that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the retriever head. This segmentation allows each segment to be produced using standard manufacturing processes rather than creating a single complex unique component, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable ball retention through the combined action of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped retention segments are designed to be universal components that can be used in various retriever head configurations. The segments have standardized dimensions and features that allow them to be manufactured in high volumes using conventional processes, eliminating the need for specialized fabrication while providing reliable ball capture functionality.
2Ease of operation
If moving parts are employed for ball capture, then ball capture effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using active moving parts to actively grasp or clamp the ball, the invention uses passive U-shaped retention segments that rely on the ball's own weight and the geometry of the segments to achieve secure retention. The segments are positioned and oriented so that gravity and ball weight naturally press the ball against the retention surfaces, eliminating the need for complex actuating mechanisms while maintaining effective ball capture.
3Manufacturing precision
If fragile components are used for ball capture, then ball capture precision is improved, but durability decreases and breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped retention segments are constructed from composite materials that combine high strength and toughness with precise dimensional control. This allows the segments to be manufactured with the precision needed for effective ball capture while incorporating material properties that resist breakage and withstand repeated use, eliminating the fragility associated with precisely machined components.
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 solution results in a cost-effective, durable, and easy-to-use golf ball retriever that can be manufactured in high volumes, with a resilient retention mechanism that securely captures golf balls and allows for adjustable retrieval angles, reducing the likelihood of breakage and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The retention member is resilient or deformable to permit the ball to enter the ball receiving cavity when the ball is urged past the retention member, However, the retention member is sufficiently stiff to prevent the weight of the ball or normal movement of the retriever head to cause the ball to undesirably fall out of the cavity during ball retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball retriever includes a body member having a ball receiving opening at one end that opens to a ball receiving cavity within the body member. Opposed bosses extend from the body member and include boss openings external to the ball receiving cavity. A retention member extends across the ball receiving cavity and has opposed ends secured within the boss openings. The body member may include at least one flange having a pivot opening and the pole-mounting member includes a pivot hole opening. A pivot member extends through the respective pivot openings of the body member and pole-mounting member to provide a hinge for pivotal rotation of the pole-mounting member with respect to the body member. A telescoping pole is coupled to the body member. A no-rotation telescoping pole including a plurality of non-circular shaft sections is optionally employed.