Golf Training Aid Pivot Panel Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing golf swing training aids do not effectively simulate the action of taking a divot while swinging a golf club, which is crucial for proper technique and can lead to discomfort and injury due to inadequate shock absorption.

Innovation Solution

A golf swing training aid device featuring a platform with a resiliently flexible member and a pivotable panel that mimics the divot-taking action, providing resistance and reducing strain through a deformable cord and hinge mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed rigid surface is used for golf ball placement, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot simulate divot-taking action and causes shock to the golfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation of divot-taking actionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed rigid surface into a movable panel that can pivot downward when contacted by the golf club head. This panel is coupled to the platform through a hinge mechanism, allowing it to move dynamically during the swing motion, thereby simulating the divot-taking action while managing shock through controlled movement rather than rigid impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the originally unified rigid surface into two distinct components: a fixed platform and a movable panel. The panel is separable from the platform through the hinge connection, allowing independent movement of the panel while the platform remains stable. This segmentation enables the panel to simulate divot action while the platform provides structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed rigid surface is used, then manufacturing is simple, but shock absorption is inadequate causing discomfort and injury

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorptionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a resilient member positioned between the panel and the platform. This resilient member is configured to deform when the panel pivots downward, providing shock absorption before the impact force is transmitted to the platform and ultimately to the golfer. The cushioning effect is built into the structure in advance, reducing harmful shock during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the panel is made movable to simulate divot action, then technique improvement is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetechnique practiceVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a hinge mechanism as a mediator between the panel and the platform. The hinge allows the panel to pivot smoothly and controllably, enabling the divot-simulation function while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical connection. This intermediary mechanism facilitates the desired motion without requiring complex actuators or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device simulates the divot-taking action, reducing shock and strain on the golfer's wrists, hands, arms, and shoulders, thereby improving technique and comfort during practice swings.

Implementation Method 1

The resiliently flexible member 16 is deformable wherein the resiliently flexible member 16 provides resistance to downward pivoting of the panel 28

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8911300B1Golf training aid assembly
Publication Date: 2014.12.16 ALVARADO MATILDE G
  • US8911300B1 patent drawing
  • US8911300B1 patent drawing
  • US8911300B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A golf training aid assembly simulates taking a divot while swinging a golf club. The assembly includes a platform having a top surface. A resiliently flexible member is coupled to the platform. A panel has a first end pivotally coupled to the platform wherein the panel is pivotable relative to the platform. The panel is supported on the resiliently flexible member in spaced relationship to the first end of the panel such that a top surface of the panel is coplanar with the top surface of the platform when the panel rests upon the resiliently flexible member. The panel is downwardly pivotable relative to the top surface of the platform such that the top surface of the panel is configured for being urged downwardly when contacted by a golf club head. The resiliently flexible member is deformable and provides resistance to downward pivoting of the panel.