Magnetic Golf Ball Retrieval Using Ferrous Powder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls frequently get lost in hazards like water, sand traps, and dense vegetation, leading to unnecessary replacement costs due to the time-consuming and difficult process of retrieval, which is not compliant with the rules and regulations set by the USGA.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball retrieving system comprising a magnetic retriever with a circular magnet and an elongated rod assembly, where the golf ball is made with ferrous powder, allowing for magnetic attraction and retrieval from challenging locations without breaking USGA rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional golf balls are used, then the game can be played, but the balls are frequently lost in hazards and require time-consuming retrieval or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball's physical parameters are modified by incorporating ferrous powder into its core, changing its magnetic properties from non-magnetic to magnetically attractive. This allows the ball to be easily retrieved using a magnetic retriever, significantly reducing retrieval time and improving productivity while minimizing time loss.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic material is added to the golf ball, then retrieval becomes easy and quick, but the ball may not comply with USGA rules
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic properties of the golf ball are carefully controlled by adjusting the ferrous powder content and particle size. The magnetic susceptibility is modified to a specific range that enables easy retrieval by magnetic retrievers while maintaining compliance with USGA regulations, thus achieving both ease of operation and regulatory reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ferrous powder is dispersed in the golf ball core, then magnetic attraction enables retrieval from hard-to-reach places, but the ball construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball core is constructed as a composite material combining traditional elastomer with ferrous powder particles. This composite structure provides the necessary magnetic properties for versatile retrieval from different hazard locations while maintaining a relatively simple overall construction that integrates the magnetic material throughout the core rather than requiring separate components.
4Force
If the magnetic retriever has a strong magnet, then attraction force increases and retrieval is more effective, but the retriever may interfere with other metallic objects on the course
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field strength of the retriever is optimized by selecting appropriate magnet material and configuration. The attraction force is sufficient to effectively retrieve golf balls from hazards, while the field strength is controlled to minimize interference with other metallic objects on the course, thus balancing retrieval effectiveness with reduced harmful effects.
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
The system significantly reduces golf ball loss by enabling quick and efficient retrieval of golf balls from hard-to-reach places, including those buried or submerged, while maintaining compliance with USGA regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a body portion, the elongated rod assembly being connected to the body portion at one of its ends, the body portion including a circular magnet that is configured to magnetically attract the golf ball with the metallic material disposed therein
Implementation Method 2
the metallic material being in the form of a ferrous powder
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball retrieving system, which includes a magnetic golf ball retriever and a golf ball attracted thereto, is disclosed herein. The golf ball retriever includes an elongated rod assembly and a body portion having a circular magnet. The elongated rod assembly is connected to the body portion at one of its ends, and extends radially outward from the circular magnet of the body portion. The golf ball includes a metallic material disposed in one of: (i) an inner core, (ii) at least one mantle layer, (iii) an outer skin, (iv) a space between the inner core and the outer skin, (v) a space between the inner core and the at least one mantle layer, and (vi) a space between the at least one mantle layer and the outer skin. The metallic material provided in the golf ball is in the form of a ferrous powder.