Portable Golf Practice With Pet-Safe Ball Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf practice devices do not allow users to realistically practice golf shots with their own clubs while engaging a dog in fetch, without damaging the equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hitting mat, target mat, removable tee, and pet-safe ball, designed for golf practice with a pet, where the pet retrieves the ball after each shot, using a visible marker on the target mat for guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a golf practice device allows a dog to chase and retrieve the ball, then the dog can play fetch, but the golf equipment may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a specialized practice ball that is inexpensive and designed to be retrieved by dogs without concern for damage. This disposable-like approach to the ball allows the dog to play fetch freely while protecting the more expensive golf clubs and other equipment from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The practice ball serves as an intermediary object between the golfer and the dog. It enables the dog to participate in fetch play while the golfer practices swings, mediating between the conflicting needs of equipment protection and pet entertainment
2Measurement precision
If a realistic golf practice setup is used with a real golf club, then golf shot practice is realistic, but the ball may be too small for pet retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The practice ball has non-uniform properties: it maintains a golf-like appearance and flight characteristics for realistic practice, but has an enlarged size (2-3 inches diameter) in the critical retrieval zone to enable easy dog retrieval. The ball's local qualities are optimized for both golf practice accuracy and pet retrieval ease
3Measurement precision
If a target marker is placed at a distance for realistic golf practice, then the golf practice is more realistic, but the marker may not be visible enough for the pet to locate the ball
Solution Approach 1:
The target marker uses bright, high-visibility colors to ensure the dog can locate the ball and target area from a distance. The fluorescent or highly saturated colors on the target mat and marker provide visual cues that are easily detectable by dogs, maintaining both golf practice realism and pet accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
A portable golf training system and method enable a golfer to practice golf shots and retrieve the practice ball with assistance from a pet trained to fetch. The system includes a hitting mat configured to receive a removable tee, a target mat spaced at a predetermined distance from the hitting mat, and a vertical pin and flag on the target mat that serve as a visible marker. A resilient dog-safe practice ball rests on the tee, and after each shot, the pet locates and returns the ball to the hitting mat. Both the hitting and target mats can be rolled up for convenient transport or storage, and the ball may include various diameters, materials, and surface patterns. The target mat includes features including multiple scoring zones for skill practice. This invention provides an entertaining and portable solution for improving golf shot accuracy while engaging a pet's natural fetching behavior.