Golf Swing Training Apparatus with Laser Feedback and Pneumatic Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf swing training devices lack instantaneous visual, audio, and kinetic feedback, making it difficult for golfers to develop proper technique and identify errant swings, especially at varying speeds, and often fail to provide the necessary kinesthetic experience.
Innovation Solution
A golf swing training apparatus with a base, risers, an arm mechanism, pulleys, and a pneumatic cylinder that provides real-time visual, audio, and tactile feedback by pivoting a handle with lasers and an adjustable resistance mechanism, allowing golfers to practice swings within a target path and receive feedback at all speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a golf swing training device provides only augmented feedback after ball flight, then the device structure is simple, but the training effectiveness and instantaneous feedback are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple feedback mechanisms including visual feedback through lasers that project target paths and club head position, audio feedback through sound emission when the club head reaches correct positions, and tactile feedback through spring resistance during the swing. This multi-sensory feedback system provides instantaneous feedback throughout the swing motion, significantly improving training effectiveness compared to traditional after-the-fact feedback methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an arm mechanism with spring resistance as an intermediary between the golfer and the target. The spring-loaded arm provides kinetic resistance that simulates the feel of swinging at a real golf ball, while the laser and audio systems act as intermediaries to provide visual and auditory feedback about swing accuracy. These intermediary elements bridge the gap between simple device structure and effective training feedback
2Reliability
If a training device inhibits freedom of movement to prevent incorrect swings, then incorrect swing positions are prevented, but kinetic training necessary to correct errant club position is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic arm mechanism with spring resistance that moves freely within the correct swing path but provides increasing resistance as the club deviates from the target line. This dynamic system allows kinetic training freedom within acceptable parameters while automatically providing corrective resistance when the swing becomes errant, rather than statically inhibiting all deviation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring resistance mechanism changes the physical parameters of the swing by providing variable resistance based on club position and swing speed. The resistance force increases as the club moves away from the target line or swings too fast/slow, dynamically adjusting the training parameters to maintain accuracy while allowing freedom of movement within acceptable ranges
3Ease of operation
If swing training is performed slowly to maintain control, then kinesthetic feel and proprioception can be developed, but the feedback differs from faster, more typical golf club swing speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded arm mechanism dynamically adapts to different swing speeds by providing proportional resistance. When the golfer swings slowly for control, the spring provides gentle resistance that maintains kinesthetic awareness. When the golfer increases swing speed to match typical playing conditions, the spring automatically provides corresponding increased resistance, maintaining feedback accuracy across all swing speeds without requiring manual adjustment
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
Enables golfers to develop proper swing technique through instantaneous feedback, allowing for quick progression through motor skill stages and adjustment for different sizes and strengths, providing inherent directional resistance during the swing rather than after-the-fact feedback.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable pneumatic cylinder for providing inertial resistance to movement of the distal end of the arm mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The handle includes a first laser for projecting a first beam of light out of a forward end of the handle, and a second laser for projecting a second beam of light out of a rear end of the handle
Implementation Method 3
The arm mechanism includes a plurality of pulleys fixed thereto around which a cable is positioned
Data Source
AI summary
A golf swing training apparatus includes a base for supporting a person and at least one target path. A pair of risers is fixed with the base, each having a receiver for an arm mechanism that extends up and over the person's head, terminates at a distal end, and pivots between top and bottom positions. The arm mechanism includes a plurality of pulleys fixed thereto around which a cable is positioned. An urging mechanism urges the arm mechanism into the top position. The cable is fixed between the distal end of the arm mechanism and the riser, and includes a shackle at a distal end thereof. A generally cylindrical handle is slidably fixed with and captures the shackle between forward and rear stops. The handle includes a first laser and an opposing second laser for illuminating the target path during practice swings of the handle.