Robotic Putting System with Servo-Driven Worm Gear Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf training systems fail to provide a personalized and consistent method for amateur golfers to perfect their putting stroke, as each golfer has a unique preferred putting path that differs from others.
Innovation Solution
A robotic putting system that uses a servo motor, worm gear, and interchangeable X-Y component templates to physically guide the putter head along a golfer's customized preferred putting path, allowing for precise control and muscle memory development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robotic mechanism is used to physically guide the putter head, then the golfer can develop muscle memory for their preferred path, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit with servo motor, a carriage assembly with hosel clamp, and interchangeable template components. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining reliable guiding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamic carriage mechanism that can be positioned at various locations along the putting path using a servo motor and worm gear. The hosel clamp can be adjusted to secure the putter at different positions, allowing the system to adapt to different golfers' preferred paths while providing consistent guidance through controlled motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable X-Y component templates are used to control putter position, then the system can accommodate different golfers' preferred paths, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The template components serve multiple functions: they define the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) movement constraints, provide structural support for the carriage mechanism, and can be interchanged to accommodate different putting paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate systems for each customization scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The hosel clamp and carriage components are designed to nest within each other, with the clamp securing to the putter hosel and the carriage mounting on the clamp. This nested structure allows for compact storage of interchangeable templates and simplifies the overall device footprint while maintaining adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If a worm gear mechanism is used to displace the carriage, then precise control of putter head position is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The worm gear acts as an intermediary mechanism between the servo motor and the carriage positioning system. It provides mechanical advantage and self-locking properties that maintain precise positioning without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on all components, as the worm gear's inherent friction characteristics help compensate for minor variations.
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 practice and develop a feel for their unique putting stroke by actively guiding the putter head along their preferred path, improving consistency and technique.
Implementation Method 1
The operating mechanism includes a servo motor connected to a worm gear
Implementation Method 2
a servo motor connected to a worm gear and a carriage mechanism mounted on the worm gear
Implementation Method 3
The X-component template may include an X-component cam slot, where the hosel clamp is disposed in the cam slot and acts as a first cam follower
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic putting system includes a mechanism for actively and physically guiding a putter head along a determined preferred putting path. The golfer need only hold the putter and allow the robotic mechanism to guide the motion of the putter head. The system enables a golfer to develop and practice a feel for the preferred path/stroke.