Putter Head Indices for Rule-Compliant Green Slope Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golfers face challenges in accurately assessing the slope of a putting green during putting, which is crucial for reducing errors and improving their score, as existing devices for slope measurement are not permitted by golf governing bodies, and techniques like feeling the slope with feet or plumb bobbing are subjective and imprecise.
Innovation Solution
A template measuring device with measurement markings on a putter head that allows golfers to objectively assess the slope by marking indices corresponding to slope measurements, conforming to USGA rules, using a pivot point and pendulum-style motion to determine the slope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If devices with indices are used to measure the slope of the green, then measurement precision is improved, but compliance with golf governing body rules deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the golfer's body as an intermediary medium to sense and measure green slope. By standing on the green and allowing the body to naturally align with the slope, the golfer can detect slope information through proprioception and balance, providing an indirect measurement method that complies with golf rules while still achieving accurate slope assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement devices (levels, inclinometers) with a biological sensing system (human body). The golfer's musculoskeletal system naturally responds to gravitational forces and slope angles, allowing slope detection through bodily sensation rather than mechanical measurement tools, thus eliminating the conflict with golf equipment rules.
2Reliability
If plumb bobbing or foot pressure methods are used to assess slope, then compliance with golf rules is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the slope assessment process into distinct sequential steps: (1) positioning feet perpendicular to the intended putt line, (2) allowing body to align with slope, (3) sensing pressure distribution in feet and body orientation, (4) translating sensory information into slope direction and magnitude, and (5) determining putting line. This segmentation transforms a subjective intuitive process into a structured method that improves precision while maintaining rule compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback loops where the golfer continuously monitors bodily sensations (foot pressure, balance, muscle tension) and adjusts their understanding of the green slope accordingly. This internal feedback mechanism allows the golfer to refine their slope assessment based on real-time sensory information, improving measurement precision through iterative sensory processing rather than relying on inaccurate single-reading methods.
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
Enables quick and accurate slope assessment on the putting surface, allowing golfers to determine a precise starting direction for their putt, enhancing their putting accuracy and conforming to golf tournament regulations.
Implementation Method 1
the golfer will analyze the angle of the putter in reference to their body position or in reference to a line between a point on the surface and the hole. In each case, the body position is preferably aligned perpendicular to the slope of the green
Data Source
AI summary
A template measuring device is provided. The device includes a body, openings, and measurement markings. The measurement markings may each be positioned adjacent to one of the openings. The measurement markings may each correspond to a respective slope measurement. The openings may provide for a template to mark a head of a putter device with indices that may correspond to the slope measurements.