Illuminated Modular Putting Cup System for Strategic Scoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional golf is time-consuming and expensive, while miniature golf lacks strategic challenge, making it unsuitable as a widely accepted alternative for recreational and competitive events.
Innovation Solution
A golf putting game, 'HiLo', featuring a putting green with differently colored cups, each assigned a predetermined number of base points, allowing players to select cups based on skill level and strategy, with scoring calculated based on strokes and cup values, enhancing challenge and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional golf is played, then the game provides sport and entertainment value, but the time required to complete a round becomes excessive (3-4 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional golf game into multiple independent putting games played on a single green. Each hole is reimagined as a series of putting challenges with different cup locations and scoring conditions, allowing players to complete multiple 'holes' in rapid succession without the time-consuming driving and approach shots of traditional golf.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, easily replaceable putting cups with removable interior cores that can be quickly changed between holes. This allows for rapid course reconfiguration and multiple games on the same green, eliminating the need for extensive course setup and teardown time associated with traditional golf courses.
2Reliability
If traditional golf equipment and course maintenance is provided, then the game quality is maintained, but the expense becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal putting green that can serve multiple functions and host various putting games. The same green and cup system can be used for different hole configurations, scoring systems, and difficulty levels, eliminating the need for multiple specialized courses and reducing overall infrastructure costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive putting cups with removable interiors that can be easily replaced or reconfigured. This allows operators to provide high-quality game experiences without investing in expensive, permanent course features, significantly reducing both initial construction costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
3Loss of time
If miniature golf is used, then time and expense are reduced, but the strategic challenge is insufficient for competitive events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to miniature golf through variable cup locations, different scoring conditions for each hole, and multiple strategic options per putt. Players must adapt their strategy based on the specific hole configuration, cup position, and scoring opportunities, adding layers of strategic depth absent in traditional miniature golf.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the putting game by varying cup locations, assigning different base point values to different cups, and creating different scoring conditions for each hole. These parameter changes create diverse strategic challenges that maintain player engagement and provide competitive depth while keeping the game format compact and quick to play.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple putting cups with different scoring are implemented, then strategic depth is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cup system into standardized components: exterior housings and removable interior cores. This segmentation allows for simple assembly and disassembly, enabling complex strategic configurations to be achieved through basic modular units rather than requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving each putting cup specific characteristics (different base point values, different locations on the green) while maintaining a standardized overall structure. This allows strategic diversity through localized variations rather than requiring fundamental changes to the entire cup system, keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
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
HiLo provides a faster, more affordable, and strategically engaging golf experience suitable for various skill levels, allowing for competitive play while reducing time and cost, offering a unique scoring system that maximizes player strategy and enjoyment.
Implementation Method 1
The interior core may be illuminated by a visible light having a predetermined color. The interior core may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and at least one battery electrically coupled to the PCB. The PCB may have at least one source of visible light electrically coupled to the PCB for illuminating the interior core of the putting cup. The source of visible light may be a light-emitting-diode (LED).
Data Source
AI summary
A golf putting game includes at least one putting green defining a putting surface and a plurality of putting cups disposed within the putting surface at a different location on the putting green. Each putting cup has an exterior housing and an interior core disposed within and removably attached to the exterior housing. The interior core is removable from the exterior housing with the putting cup disposed within the putting surface of the putting green. Each putting cup is illuminated by a different predetermined color and assigned a different predetermined number of base points corresponding to the predetermined color. A player score is determined from a number of putting strokes made by a player to putt a putting ball into the putting cup and the predetermined number of base points assigned to the putting cup.