Configurable Golf Green Surface with Movable Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf simulation systems lack realism and challenge, particularly for short game practice, as they typically provide a flat and level surface that does not accurately represent the contours of actual golf greens.
Innovation Solution
A golf simulation system with a configurable upper surface featuring movable surface elements that can adjust to create various contours, simulating the undulations and challenges of real golf greens, combined with a ball path analysis device to project the ball's movement on a screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flat and level surface is used for golf simulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the realism and challenge of the simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The green surface is segmented into multiple independently movable surface elements (turf segments) that can be individually positioned to create various contour configurations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex realistic green contours while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface elements are made dynamically adjustable through motorized actuators that enable real-time repositioning of individual turf segments. This dynamic capability allows the simulation to transition between flat and contoured configurations, providing both simplicity when needed and realistic challenge when required.
2Reliability
If movable surface elements are added to create contours, then the simulation realism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible covering layer is used to span across the movable surface elements, creating a continuous green surface appearance while allowing the underlying elements to move independently. This flexible film approach maintains visual realism while simplifying the mechanical structure compared to rigid segmented surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable surface elements serve multiple functions: they create contours for realism, provide adjustable challenge levels, and can be reconfigured for different putting scenarios. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single structural feature.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the surface elements are made movable to adjust top surface position, then the adaptability of the simulation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated control mechanisms that allow the surface elements to reposition themselves based on programmed configurations or user input, reducing the manual effort required to adjust contours. The actuators automatically move the surface elements to desired positions, making the system self-adjusting rather than requiring complex manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the position of surface elements and make automatic adjustments to achieve the desired contour configurations. This feedback control simplifies operation by eliminating the need for precise manual positioning, as the system self-corrects to reach target configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A green simulation apparatus having a configurable upper surface with a changeable contour may comprise a covering forming the upper surface and a covering support assembly configured to support the covering. The support assembly may comprise a plurality of movable positioning elements having the covering resting thereon and positioned in an array extending in a reference plane and movable along axes extending substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. The support assembly may comprise a movement actuator configured to move at least one of the positioning elements independently of other positioning elements in the array.