Golf Training Platform with Pivoting Turf Bracket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf practice mats fail to simulate the realistic feel and behavior of golf course turf, particularly in terms of divot formation and energy transfer, leading to an incomplete golfing experience.
Innovation Solution
A golf training platform with a flexible turf section and a compressible energy transfer pad, secured to a turf bracket that pivots, allowing the turf to deform and absorb impact, simulating the feel of hitting a golf ball on a real course and reducing vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a hard rubber base is used to support the artificial turf, then the structural stability and support are improved, but the realism of turf behavior and divot formation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a rigid frame for stability with flexible materials (artificial turf layer and energy transfer pad) for realistic turf behavior. The frame provides structural support while the layered flexible materials simulate natural turf response to club impact, allowing divot formation and energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible artificial turf material and a thin energy transfer pad that can deform under club impact. These flexible layers are secured to the rigid frame, allowing them to bend and yield during the swing, simulating the behavior of natural turf while the frame maintains structural integrity.
2Strength
If the turf is bonded to a hard surface, then the structural support is improved, but the ability to simulate divot formation and turf yield deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into a rigid frame that provides overall structural support and separate flexible turf layers that can deform independently. The turf is secured at edges to the frame but remains free to bend and form divots in the contact area, allowing both structural strength and divot formation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the flexible turf layers can move and deform during club impact while being anchored to the static rigid frame. This allows the turf to adapt and yield during the swing, simulating natural divot formation, while the frame maintains structural support throughout.
3Reliability
If a hard base is used, then the durability is improved, but the vibration transmission to the golfer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy transfer pad as an intermediary layer between the rigid frame and the artificial turf. This pad absorbs and dampens vibrations generated during club impact, preventing them from transmitting to the golfer through the club shaft, while the rigid frame continues to provide durable structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates the energy transfer pad in advance within the structure, positioned between the hard frame and the turf layer. This pre-installed cushioning layer is designed to absorb impact shocks and vibrations before they can propagate to the golfer, protecting against harmful vibrations while maintaining structural durability.
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
Provides a more realistic golfing experience by allowing divot formation and accurate energy transfer, enhancing the simulation of golf swing nuances and reducing club vibration, thus improving practice effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The turf section and energy transfer pad preferably have substantially the same side-to-side width. However, the energy transfer pad need not extend all the way to the first edge of the turf section
Implementation Method 2
current practice mat designs suffer from the problem that the vibrations/shaft-sting from hitting the mat (which is bonded to a hard surface) is transmitted up the golf club shaft to the golfer's hands
Implementation Method 3
The turf section comprises a flexible turf-simulating material and is secured in the frame only along the first edge of the surf section; whereby the turf section is capable of deforming, flexing, and bending upon being contacted by a swinging golf club
Data Source
AI summary
A golf practice device comprises a main frame which contains a compressible energy transfer pad and a flexible turf section which rests atop the energy transfer pad. The turf section is secured in the frame only along a forward end of the turf section. Additionally, the turf section is secured to the energy transfer pad at an end opposite from the forward end or along a length of the energy transfer pad. Thus, when the turf section is struck by a swinging golf club, the turf section will flex, bend and move relative to the frame, thereby simulating the feel of creation of a divot. A tee box may be removably attached to the frame for allowing a golfer to practice teeing off. Multiple main and tee boxes may be attached together, both lengthwise and widthwise.