Golf Swing Practice Apparatus with Swivel Optical Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf swing practice devices are inadequate for simulating high-speed club head swings, as they often fail to withstand forces above 70 miles per hour, are expensive, require large spaces, or involve cumbersome catch nets and expensive sensor-driven systems.
Innovation Solution
A golf swing practice apparatus featuring a rotating drum with an internal optical sensor mounted on a swivel, capable of detecting changes in swivel position, an elongated cord tethering a golf ball, and a console for calculating and displaying swing data, including predicted ball trajectory and speed, without the need for large catch nets or expensive simulation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tethered golf ball trainers are used to practice swinging, then golf ball hitting practice can be done in confined areas, but the tether and frame structures cannot withstand forces at club head speeds above 70 miles per hour
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the practice apparatus into separate functional components: a rotating drum mechanism, an optical sensor system, and a tethered ball assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the drum and sensor handle measurement while the tether handles the ball, distributing structural stress across multiple elements rather than requiring one oversized frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical force measurement systems with an optical sensing system. Instead of using mechanical sensors that would require robust mounting structures to withstand impact forces, the system uses optical sensors to detect drum rotation and calculate ball trajectory mathematically, eliminating the need for strong mechanical mounting structures.
2Loss of information
If sensor-driven computer simulation systems are used to simulate real play, then trajectory information can be calculated and displayed, but the systems are expensive and require large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex computer simulation systems. Instead of using full-scale sensor arrays and computational models, the invention uses a single rotating drum with an optical sensor to capture the critical trajectory data needed for practice, eliminating unnecessary complexity while retaining core functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters from direct multi-point spatial tracking to rotational angle measurement. By measuring the drum's rotation angle and speed, the system calculates trajectory parameters mathematically, simplifying the physical measurement system while maintaining information accuracy.
3Loss of information
If laser alignment club trainers are used to visualize ball path, then theoretical path can be seen, but special golf clubs with lasers must be used
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the golf club with laser components, the patent creates a separate measurement system that observes and records the ball's actual path. The rotating drum and optical sensor capture trajectory data, and the console displays the measured path, providing visualization without requiring any changes to standard golf clubs.
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 accommodates high-speed swings, provides accurate trajectory data, and allows for home-use practice without the limitations of existing devices, offering a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for improving golfing skills.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor mounted inside the drum that is capable of swiveling in a direction perpendicular to the rotational direction of the drum and capable of detecting a change in swivel position or swivel angle
Data Source
AI summary
A golf swing practice apparatus which includes a rotating drum having an optical sensor mounted inside the drum that is capable of swiveling in a direction perpendicular to the rotational direction of the drum and capable of detecting a change in swivel position or swivel angle; an elongated cord including a proximal end secured to the drum and a distal end secured to a golf ball; 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 impact area.