Golf Putter with Magnetic Marker and Ball Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golfers, especially those with mobility issues or discomfort, face challenges in bending or squatting to place and retrieve ball markers and balls on the green, leading to fatigue and discomfort, and existing solutions often require complex structures that are difficult to operate or damage the golf course.
Innovation Solution
A golf putter with integrated ball-marker and ball-handling systems, featuring a magnet at the putter head to hold and release markers, and a ball-retrieval cup that allows for marker placement and ball pickup without bending, using handles to control the systems without requiring the golfer to change their posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a golfer uses conventional methods to place and retrieve ball markers and balls, then the tasks can be completed, but the golfer must bend over or squat repeatedly causing fatigue and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ball marker handling system and ball handling system into a single integrated putter device. The marker handling system includes a magnet that can be positioned to attract and hold a marker, while the ball handling system includes a cup that can receive and hold a ball. Both systems are operated through the same putter mechanism, allowing the golfer to perform both functions without switching between separate devices or changing posture significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The putter is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a ball striking club and a marker/ball handling device. The magnet can be positioned to handle markers, the cup can handle balls, and the putter head can strike balls. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate marker tools and ball pickers, allowing all operations to be performed from an upright stance.
2Ease of operation
If existing marker handling devices are used, then bending is reduced, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the marker handling mechanism directly into the putter head structure. The magnet is positioned within the putter head and can be moved into or out of engagement with the marker by simply moving the putter head itself, rather than requiring a separate mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for complex additional structures while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The putter head serves dual purposes: it strikes balls during normal play and handles markers through the integrated magnet system. The same putter head structure that is used for putting also contains the marker handling capability, eliminating the need for separate specialized tools and reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If spike/pin markers are used with close-fit pockets, then markers can be secured, but entry and exit of markers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spike/pin and close-fit pocket system with a magnetic field-based holding mechanism. The magnet within the putter head creates a magnetic field that attracts and holds the marker without requiring physical interlocking structures. This allows the marker to be easily approached and engaged by simply moving the putter head close to the marker, and released by moving the putter head away, eliminating the difficulty of forcing markers into tight pockets.
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 golfers to perform putting tasks without bending or squatting, reducing fatigue and discomfort, while maintaining a comfortable upright posture, and the design is simple, effective, and minimally invasive to the golf course.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet holds the marker in said recess unless the magnet is moved relative to the head to distance the magnet from the marker
Data Source
AI summary
A golf putter ball-marker handling system uses distance of a magnet from the marker to control whether the marker is captured or dropped. The golf putter preferably also has a ball-handling system that captures a ball in an aperture in the club head by sliding a ball-engagement pin into the aperture and underneath the ball. Both the marker-handling system and the ball-handling system are actuated at generally the same time by an actuation system that is controlled by a single handle at or near the club grip.