Segmented Rigid Putting Surface for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing putting game devices lack a rigid putting surface, leading to inconsistent gameplay due to flexible ball course members that form bumps and ridges, preventing a smooth putting experience.

Innovation Solution

A putting game device with a rigid putting surface, including a ramp and game board that stores within a mobile housing, featuring interchangeable game boards and a ball return system for easy transportation and varied gameplay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a flexible ball course member is used to create a portable putting game, then the device can be wound onto a shaft for storage and transport, but the flexible member forms bumps and ridges that prevent a smooth putting surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage compactnessVSAvoidputting surface smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The putting surface is divided into multiple rigid putting surface members (first, second, third putting surface members) that can be separately stored and assembled. Each member maintains its rigidity independently, allowing the overall structure to be compact when stored yet provide a smooth surface when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid putting surface members are designed to nest within the housing when not in use, with each member fitting into a designated compartment. This nesting arrangement allows the rigid components to be stored compactly while maintaining their structural integrity and smooth surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If a rigid putting surface is used to provide a smooth putting experience, then the ball rolls consistently, but the device becomes harder to store and transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveputting surface smoothnessVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid putting surface is segmented into multiple smaller rigid members that can be individually handled and stored. This segmentation maintains the smooth putting experience during gameplay while enabling compact storage by allowing each piece to be placed in its own compartment within the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The putting surface members are designed to be dynamically configurable - they can be assembled into a smooth, rigid playing surface when needed and disassembled into compact components for storage and transport. The members feature attachment mechanisms that allow quick assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple game boards with different target arrangements are provided, then replay value and game variety increase, but device complexity and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame varietyVSAvoidstorage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing serves multiple functions: it stores the rigid putting surface members, holds multiple interchangeable game boards with different target arrangements, and provides structural support during gameplay. This multi-functionality accommodates game variety without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple game boards are stored nested within the housing, with each board fitting into a designated slot or compartment. This nesting arrangement allows multiple game configurations to be stored compactly without significantly increasing the external dimensions or complexity of the housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10188922B1Putting skill game
Publication Date: 2019.01.29 BAHASH NICHOLAS A
  • US10188922B1 patent drawing
  • US10188922B1 patent drawing
  • US10188922B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The putting game device provides a rigid putting surface with an attached green that leads to a ramp. The ramp and putting surface store within a housing to create a mobile game that is easily stored and transported. The housing includes a support to angle the housing and the game board for play. Each game board provides at least one cup, preferably multiple cups, for the user to putt the ball into. The targets may be simple holes in the game board or the targets may be a raised target that extends vertically above the game board. The game device also enables the installation of different game boards for different target arrangements.