Retractable Microfiber Golf Ball Cleaner with Divot Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golfers face challenges in effectively cleaning soiled golf balls during play due to the inadequacy of existing portable cleaning solutions, which often require water, are inconvenient to use, and can lead to health risks or damage to surrounding items.
Innovation Solution
A portable, multi-purpose golf apparatus with a retractable casing containing a microfiber cleaning device and a positioning mechanism, allowing for easy extension and retraction, along with additional accessories like a divot tool and ball marker, to facilitate efficient and hygienic cleaning of golf balls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wet towel is used to clean golf balls, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but moisture damages surrounding items and towels dry out during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retractable cleaning device with a fabric surface that serves as an intermediary between the water source and the golf ball. The fabric is contained within a protective housing that allows controlled deployment, enabling cleaning functionality while preventing uncontrolled moisture dispersion to surrounding items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a fabric surface within a housing structure that can be extended and retracted. This flexible containment system allows the cleaning surface to be deployed only when needed and keeps moisture contained during transport, preventing damage to surrounding items while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If large mechanical cleaning devices are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cleaning function into a compact, self-contained device that can be easily transported. The cleaning mechanism is segmented into a housing containing the fabric surface and a positioning mechanism, allowing the entire system to be portable while maintaining effective cleaning capability through controlled fabric deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning mechanism that allows the fabric surface to be extended and retracted as needed. This dynamic capability enables the device to transition from a compact stored state for easy portability to an extended operational state for effective cleaning, combining both portability and cleaning effectiveness.
3Reliability
If fixed cleaning devices with water supply are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to different locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cleaning device that does not depend on fixed water supplies or specific locations. The self-contained design with an extendable fabric surface allows the device to function effectively at any location on the golf course, providing both cleaning effectiveness and location independence.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed providing a portable, multi-purpose golf apparatus. The apparatus includes a casing, a cleaning device, and an opening. The cleaning device may be extendable through the opening an effective distance to clean a golf ball. A carrier may be mounted to the cleaning device within the casing. The carrier may slide within the casing to transition the cleaning device from a stored position to an extended position. The golf apparatus may further include a positioning mechanism coupled to the carrier. The apparatus may include a second opening through which a divot tool or other supplemental device may be extendable.