Pendulum Putter Diagnostic Tool for Personalized Stroke Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Golfers face challenges in consistently and accurately executing putting strokes due to the complexity of variables such as green topography, speed, and hole location, leading to a need for improved training devices that can simulate and determine the proper aiming direction and speed for successful putts.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a pendulum putter apparatus coupled with a putting diagnostic tool that calculates aiming direction and initial ball speed based on topographic information, green speed, hole location, and ball location, providing a personalized putting experience through a mobile application with haptic feedback for precise guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If general putting information is provided to golfers, then they can access basic putting knowledge, but they cannot effectively apply it to real-time putting decisions due to the complexity of variables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveputting informationVSAvoidreal-time putting execution
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual analysis and mechanical calculation of putting variables with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and displays to calculate and present optimal putting parameters in real-time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the golfer to independently obtain personalized putting guidance by inputting their specific parameters (strength, coordination, equipment), allowing them to self-determine optimal stroke characteristics without requiring expert analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing putting training devices are used, then general putting information can be obtained, but personalized guidance specific to individual golfer characteristics is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveputting guidanceVSAvoidpersonalized putting information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the putting guidance to each golfer's specific characteristics (strength, coordination, equipment preferences) rather than providing uniform advice, with each parameter customized to the individual's needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis by collecting and processing golfer-specific data before the actual putting action, pre-calculating optimal parameters so the golfer receives personalized guidance ready for immediate application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple variables are considered for accurate putting determination, then putting precision can be improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveputting stroke determinationVSAvoidputting analysis system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex putting analysis into distinct modular components: input module for golfer characteristics, processing module for calculating parameters, and output module for presenting guidance, making the complex system manageable and adaptable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional apparatus that can handle various golfer characteristics, equipment types, and putting conditions through a single integrated platform that processes diverse inputs and provides comprehensive guidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3602566B1Method and apparatus for personalized putting of a golf ball
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 TOPCON POSITIONING SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3602566B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3602566B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3602566B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A method and apparatus is provided that determines and simulates the proper putting stroke using at least aiming direction and speed for successfully making a particular putt based on particular putting green characteristics and the location of the golf hole on the putting green, and which is interactive with the user thereby providing an enhanced playing experience and improved putting results.