Golf Training Aid Shield Assembly for Hidden-Ball Swing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional golf training methods that focus on visualizing the golf ball can compromise proper form and muscle memory, leading to poor swing habits and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A golf training aid assembly that shields the golf ball from view, featuring a vertical leg, base plate, and top shield with a sight line, allowing for adjustable, compact, and lightweight design to develop muscle memory and improve alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the golf ball is visible during practice, then the user can visually track the ball position, but the visual presence of the golf ball distracts the user and compromises proper form and muscle memory development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the golf ball from the user's visual field by placing it behind a shield, extracting the distracting visual element while preserving the essential training function. The shield blocks the ball from view, eliminating the distraction that compromises form, while the user can still execute swings and receive tactile feedback from ball contact.
2Ease of operation
If a shield is introduced to block the golf ball view, then muscle memory development is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The training aid is segmented into distinct functional components: a vertical leg for support, a shield for visual blocking, a base plate for stability, and a ball-catch recess for ball containment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield and base plate are designed to fold against the vertical leg when not in use, creating a compact nested configuration. This nesting principle reduces the device's footprint and simplifies storage without compromising the functional integrity of the individual components when deployed.
3Ease of operation
If the training aid is made compact and foldable for portability, then ease of storage is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The training aid incorporates hinged connections that allow the shield and base plate to transition between a folded compact position for portability and a deployed stable position for use. This dynamic design enables the structure to adapt its configuration based on whether it is being stored or used, maintaining stability during both states.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical leg is designed with a predetermined height and the shield and base plate are positioned at specific distances from the leg to establish proper alignment and stability before use. The ball-catch recess is pre-formed in the base plate to ensure correct ball placement, eliminating the need for adjustment during use and maintaining structural integrity.
4Measurement precision
If the sight line is positioned to align with the ball-catch recess, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sight line is integrated directly into the shield structure, and the ball-catch recess is formed as part of the base plate during manufacturing. These features are designed to work together automatically, with the sight line naturally aligning with the recess when the components are assembled in their intended configuration, reducing the need for post-manufacturing adjustment and calibration.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf training aid assembly comprising a base plate with a U-shaped recess, a vertical leg with hinges at both ends, and an L-shaped top shield. The base and top hinges use pins and flexible clips or knuckles that snap into place for secure attachment. The vertical leg features anchor holes for golf tees and a recess to house the base plate and top shield flush with its surface. The top shield includes a reference mark aligned with the base's U-shaped recess to aid alignment. The assembly may include embedded sensors in the leg and attachable sensors for golf clubs to measure face angle and provide real-time feedback via tones or a mobile app. Components are designed to be replaceable and reversible, and the device can be made from plastic, metal, or wood using 3D printing, injection molding, or laser cutting.