Flexible Magnetic Putting Target with Hydrogel Catch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf putting targets are often bulky, difficult to transport, and feature prominent outer edges that disrupt the ball's movement, lacking a realistic representation of a standard golf hole and requiring storage as a rolled mat.
Innovation Solution
A putting target composed of flexible magnetic sheeting with a printable substrate for graphical representation, combined with a transparent dermal fastener gel for secure and easy golf ball capture, and a release liner for protection, allowing for flat storage and inconspicuous transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional putting targets use prominent outer edges or inclines to define the target area, then the target boundary is clearly visible, but the ball movement is disrupted and the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin flexible film as the base layer that is transparent or translucent, allowing the ball to roll across it without disruption while still defining the target area through graphical representations printed on the film. This resolves the contradiction by providing clear visual boundaries without physical obstacles that would disrupt ball movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a two-dimensional graphical representation (copy) of the three-dimensional golf hole on a flat surface. The graphical depiction includes visual cues like the cup opening and surrounding area, allowing golfers to practice putting without needing the actual three-dimensional hole structure, thus eliminating bulky physical features while maintaining target definition.
2Stability of the object's composition
If putting targets are made with substantial thickness to provide structural support, then the target is stable, but the device becomes difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin flexible film that can be rolled up or folded for easy transport and storage, yet maintains stability during use through the adhesive layer that secures it to the putting surface and the magnetic elements that provide structural support without adding significant thickness or weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of multiple layers: a flexible film base layer, an adhesive layer, and magnetic elements. This composite design provides structural stability and functionality while keeping the overall thickness minimal, enabling easy transport and storage.
3Weight of moving object
If putting targets use magnetic sheeting to reduce thickness and improve portability, then the target becomes lightweight and flat-storable, but the magnetic attraction may interfere with ball movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the magnetic elements at the periphery of the target area, specifically around the simulated cup opening, rather than distributing them uniformly across the entire film. This localized placement provides structural support and enables the film to cling to surfaces without creating magnetic interference in the central putting area where the ball rolls.
4Stability of the object's composition
If putting targets use adhesive materials to secure the target to surfaces, then the target remains in place, but the adhesive may leave residue on the ball or surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a removable adhesive layer that is designed to be temporary and non-permanent. This adhesive can be easily removed without leaving residue, allowing the target to be repositioned or removed cleanly. The adhesive serves its purpose of securing the target during use but can be discarded or cleaned off without 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 solution provides a lightweight, versatile, and realistic golf putting target that can be easily displayed or stored, offering minimal resistance to the ball and easy retrieval without residue, while maintaining a clean and unobstructed visual appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The material properties of the magnetic sheeting provide a semi-rigid base for the target, as well as the ability to cling to any magnetic surface
Implementation Method 2
The second layer of this embodiment utilizes a well-known transparent dermal fastener gel, which is also referred to as a hydrogel. Hydrogels were designed and formulated to adhere a product to the skin
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a putting target (10) whereby a golf ball is caught utilizing a hydrogel section (16) that is affixed to a section of magnetic sheeting (12). The hydrogel section (16) provides an adhesive catch area so that a golf ball can be effectively caught with its surface. Alternate embodiments of a hydrogel section (16) affixed to magnetic sheeting (12) can be useful in various fields for activities or procedures that require the temporary adherence of a tool, device, decoration, etc., to a magnetic surface.