Movable Surface Elements for Golf Simulation Contours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf simulation systems lack realistic and challenging contouring for short game practice, particularly putting, as they typically provide a flat, level environment that does not accurately represent the varied surfaces of real 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 of actual golf greens, including raised positions and complex topographies, using a support assembly with positioning elements and movement actuators to replicate real-world green conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flat, level surface is used for golf simulation, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the realism and challenge of short game practice deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The green surface is divided into multiple independently movable surface elements (tiles) that can be individually positioned to create various contours. Each surface element can be raised or lowered relative to others, allowing the construction of complex topographies including undulations, slopes, and elevation changes that mimic real golf greens while maintaining a modular, manageable system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The surface elements are made movable and adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the green surface contour to be dynamically reconfigured. The support assembly enables each surface element to be positioned at different heights and orientations, transforming the static flat surface into a dynamic, adaptable structure that can replicate various real-world green conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If movable surface elements with multiple positions are implemented, then the adaptability and realism of the green surface is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the green surface into discrete, modular surface elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows complex contour variations to be achieved through simple individual element movements rather than requiring a complex continuous adjustment mechanism across the entire surface
Solution Approach 2:
The movable surface elements with their support assemblies effectively copy or replicate the contour features of real golf greens. By positioning multiple surface elements at different heights and angles, the system creates accurate replicas of natural green topographies, including undulations, slopes, and elevation changes, without requiring an equally complex natural structure
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having a configurable upper surface with a changeable contour may comprise a plurality of movable surface elements positioned in a close array. Each surface element has a top surface forming a respective portion of the upper surface. The elements may be elongated with a longitudinal axis. The top surface has a perimeter and the perimeters of adjacent surface elements define a gap therebetween, and the gap between the perimeters may be substantially uniform. The surface elements are movable in the longitudinal direction to adjust the position of the top surface. The surface elements have a neutral position with the top surfaces of surface elements in the neutral position defining a reference plane. The surface element have a plurality of raised positions in which the top surface is located vertically higher than the reference plane.