Putting Box with Gravity Ball Return for Uneven Floors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing putting practice arrangements lack authenticity, require a level floor, and necessitate manual retrieval of golf balls, making them less satisfying and inconvenient for home use.
Innovation Solution
A putting apparatus with a box structure featuring a putting surface, slopes, a rotator, and a collector system that simulates a real golf experience by allowing balls to return automatically, providing auditory feedback, and ensuring a level surface without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If artificial holes are used in putting practice arrangements, then a target to hit or miss is provided, but the experience is less satisfying than hitting a real hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where a collector is positioned beneath the hole opening. The collector is a hollow cylindrical structure that fits inside the box, with the hole opening at its top. This nesting arrangement allows the ball to fall through the hole into the collector, creating the authentic sensation of the ball disappearing into the ground while enabling automatic retrieval through the slopes and rotator mechanism.
2Reliability
If mats are used for putting practice, then the problem of carpet being a poor imitation is remedied, but the arrangement relies on the floor being level which floors rarely are
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable screw jacks at the corners of the box to dynamically adjust the box's position and orientation. This allows the putting surface inside the box to be kept level even when placed on uneven floors. The screw jacks provide continuous adjustment capability, enabling the user to compensate for any floor irregularities and maintain a true horizontal putting surface.
3Ease of operation
If artificial holes and mats are used for putting practice, then practice can be done at home, but the player has to retrieve his/her ball manually after hitting or missing the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service ball retrieval system using gravity-powered slopes and a rotator mechanism. When the ball enters the collector through the hole or misses the target, it automatically rolls down the first slope, transfers to the second slope, and is dispensed back onto the putting surface through the rotator. This entire process occurs without human intervention, allowing the golfer to continuously practice without leaving their position to retrieve balls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the collector beneath the hole opening in advance, and the slopes are pre-configured to guide the ball from the collector to the dispensing location. The rotator is pre-positioned to receive balls from the slopes and dispense them onto the putting surface. This preliminary arrangement of components ensures that ball retrieval occurs automatically and continuously without requiring the user to perform any actions during the practice session.
4Extent of automation
If a collector is disposed beneath the hole to capture balls, then balls can be retrieved automatically, but the apparatus requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the collector structure. The collector serves as both the receptacle for balls that enter the hole and as the starting point for the automatic retrieval system. The slopes are integrated with the box structure, and the rotator is mounted on the box's side wall. This merging of functions into unified components achieves automatic ball retrieval while minimizing the number of separate parts.
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
The apparatus offers an authentic putting experience with auditory feedback, allows balls to return automatically, and maintains a level surface, enhancing user interaction and convenience by eliminating the need for manual retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
The compression spring is disposed on the shaft
Implementation Method 2
The first slope is disposed within the box operatively below the putting surface, extending from the rear wall and inclined downwards towards the front wall
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus (100) for assisting putting practice configured for indoor golf. The apparatus features a box comprising a base (107), front wall(109), rear wall(111), first side wall(113), second side wall(114), a top putting surface(115) a hole(120) similar to a real golf green hole, and a collector(122) with an outlet (123) located below the hole (120). An opening(111a) is provided between the putting surface and the rear wall. Balls(20) either fall through the hole(120) and collector(122), or those which miss the hole(120) fall through the opening(111a). Thereafter, they fall on the first slope(125), travel down it to a second slope(128) to an exit opening(131), and enter a rotator(135,135B) with compartments(137,137B). Rotating the rotator(135,135B) aligns a ball(20) in a compartment with a cutout(132), returning the ball to the putting surface(115). This portable apparatus(100) enables continuous putting practice with an automatic ball return system, replicating an authentic golf green experience indoors.