Illuminated Golf Cup Inversion Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing golf cup illumination systems either do not directly illuminate the hole or suffer from shadows due to overhead lighting, making it difficult for golfers to see the hole in low light conditions.

Innovation Solution

An internally illuminated golf cup design featuring a light source positioned within the cup, comprising an outer cylinder and a tapered cup insert with a central depression, where the light source is sealed against moisture and powered by either an internal battery or external power source, providing direct illumination from within.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If overhead lights are suspended above the green to illuminate the golf course, then the golf course becomes visible in low light conditions, but shadows are cast over and around the hole making it difficult to see

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of golf courseVSAvoidshadows around the hole

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the light source above the green (conventional approach), the patent inverts the illumination direction by placing the light source within the golf cup itself, illuminating the hole from below. This inversion eliminates the shadow problem while maintaining visibility, as the light now originates from the location that needs illumination rather than from above.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the golf cup with integrated light source - that mediates between the need for illumination and the avoidance of shadows. The cup insert with its specific geometry (tapered walls, central depression) acts as an intermediary that directs and shapes the light to illuminate the hole while preventing shadow formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If a light source is placed within the golf cup to provide direct illumination, then visibility of the hole is improved, but the light source must be protected from moisture and environmental hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of the holeVSAvoidmoisture and environmental hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a waterproof seal or coating (flexible barrier) to protect the light source from moisture and environmental hazards. This allows the light source to be placed within the golf cup while preventing water ingress, thus maintaining both illumination functionality and protection from harmful environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If the cup insert is tapered to a central depression to support the flag pole, then the flag pole is securely supported, but the space for the light source is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflag pole supportVSAvoidspace for light source

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific geometric configuration of the cup insert with tapered walls and a central depression. This localized structural design provides adequate support for the flag pole in the central area while maintaining sufficient space in the surrounding regions to accommodate the light source, thus satisfying both structural and illumination requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7594859B2Illuminated golf cup

Publication Date: 2009.09.29 THE TORO COMPANY

AI summary

An illuminated golf cup is internally lighted by a light source disposed within the cup. The light source is suspended in the bottom of the cup by being secured to the underside of an insert in the cup. The light source is directed upward from the bottom of the cup to cast light up and out of the cup. The light illuminates the opening of the cup and the flag in the cup, making the golf cup more visible from a distance and in low light.