Golf Tee Convex Top Reduces Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf tee designs result in significant friction and impedance between the tee and the golf ball, leading to reduced energy transfer from the golf club and inconsistent posture and swing due to variable tee angles in the ground.
Innovation Solution
A golf tee with a convex, adhesive-free top surface and a stem that must be inserted vertically into the ground, minimizing contact area and friction, and featuring optional removable ramps and a backstop for directional and elevational aids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the tee top has a concave surface matching the ball curvature, then the ball is stably retained on the tee, but significant friction and impedance forces are created between the ball and tee
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional concave tee top design by using a convex spherical surface instead. This inversion changes the contact geometry from the tee conforming to the ball to the ball conforming to the tee, significantly reducing the contact area and resulting friction forces while maintaining ball stability through proper positioning on the convex surface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tee is inserted at an angle with the vertical, then the ball can be stably arranged on the tee, but the golf player must adapt posture and swing accordingly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry through the convex spherical top surface with a designated front lip and backstop structure. This asymmetric design creates a natural positioning system that guides the ball to a specific location on the convex surface, ensuring consistent ball placement and eliminating the need for angled insertion while maintaining stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the concave surface has curvature similar to the ball outer surface, then over 90% of the concave surface is in direct contact with the ball, but this reduces kinetic and rotational energy transferred to the ball
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the contact surface geometry from concave to convex, the patent reduces the contact area between the tee and ball. The convex spherical surface allows the ball to rest on a smaller portion of its surface, minimizing the friction interface and maximizing energy transfer during club impact while still providing adequate ball retention.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a golf tee comprising a stem portion and a top portion connected to the stem portion, the top portion includes an upper surface that opposes the stem and having a convex shape, free of an adhesive layer or material that anchors the ball on the upper surface against uneven ground. The golf tee minimizes friction and other impeding forces between the tee and the ball by reducing an area of contact between the tee and the ball, while preventing the player from installing the golf tee other than vertically into the ground, or horizontal to the Earth's surface, thereby preventing the golf player from having to alter his or her posture and stroke according to the mounting of the ball.