Illuminated Golf Cup and Flag Apparatus for Night Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for illuminating golf courses, such as using free-standing post-mounted spotlights, are inadequate for providing consistent and aesthetically pleasing lighting, especially for miniature and par 3 golf courses, and do not effectively enhance the playing experience.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes a golf cup apparatus with a light source bank, a golf flag apparatus with a light source bank, a wearable illumination apparatus, a light-emitting golf ball, and an illumination-providing golf club, all designed to provide targeted and efficient lighting for golf holes, greens, and players, utilizing solar power and smart sequencing to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If free-standing post-mounted spotlights are used to illuminate golf courses, then the golf course can be illuminated, but the lighting is inconsistent and aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple distributed light sources integrated into golf course infrastructure elements (cup apparatus, flag apparatus, wearable devices, golf balls, and clubs) rather than relying on a single type of external spotlight. This segmentation allows for consistent, multi-point illumination that eliminates dark spots and provides uniform lighting across the green.
Solution Approach 2:
Different illumination devices are placed at specific locations where they are most effective: cup apparatus illuminate the hole area, flag apparatus illuminate the green surface, wearable devices illuminate the player's path, and golf balls provide moving light sources. This localized placement strategy ensures consistent illumination quality throughout the playing area.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple illumination devices are deployed throughout the golf course, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination devices operate periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates light sources based on detected player presence, timing, and location, turning lights on only when and where needed. This periodic operation maintains high visibility during active play while dramatically reducing overall energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses player-worn devices and detected movement to automatically trigger illumination, eliminating the need for continuous external power supply or manual control. The golf course infrastructure serves itself by responding autonomously to player presence, activating only the necessary light sources at the appropriate moments and locations.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional spotlights are used for illumination, then installation is simple, but the lighting does not effectively enhance the playing experience
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system serves multiple functions simultaneously: cup apparatus not only mark the hole location but also illuminate it; flag apparatus serve as both flags and light sources; wearable devices provide both player identification and illumination; golf balls provide both gameplay function and moving light sources. This multi-functionality enhances the playing experience while integrating seamlessly into existing course infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges illumination functionality with existing golf course elements rather than adding separate spotlight structures. Light sources are integrated into cups, flags, wearable apparel, golf balls, and clubs, combining the traditional elements with modern illumination technology to create a unified system that enhances gameplay without requiring separate installation infrastructure.
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
This solution enhances the visibility and safety of golf holes and greens, improves player experience by reducing glare, and allows for energy-efficient operation through solar charging and smart lighting control, making the game more enjoyable and accessible.
Implementation Method 1
The cup apparatus can include a solar panel and a battery. The solar panel can be adapted to charge the battery.
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of light sources can be disposed within the cup apparatus, the flag apparatus, the wearable apparatus, and/or the golf ball.
Data Source
AI summary
There is set forth herein one or more feature for providing illuminated golf. The one or more feature can comprise e.g., a golf cup apparatus having a light source bank, a golf flag apparatus having a light source bank, a wearable apparatus having a light source bank, an illumination providing golf ball and an apparatus for charging a golf ball having a light source bank.