Slidable Golf Mat Pad With Elastic Cord Absorber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Golf mats fail to simulate the experience of hitting off real grass, as they cannot accommodate the divot-taking action required in actual golf play, leading to inadequate impact absorption and vibration transfer.

Innovation Solution

A golf mat design featuring a central channel with a slidable artificial turf pad and laterally extending elastic elements, such as rubber cords, which absorb impact and return to their original position, mimicking the feel of hitting off real grass by decelerating the pad and reducing shock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the artificial turf pad is made fixed in the frame, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot simulate the divot-taking action and impact absorption of real grass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation of real grass impactVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the artificial turf pad slidable within the frame rather than fixed. The pad can move forward during club impact to simulate divot-taking action, and the elastic element allows it to return to its original position. This dynamic behavior enables the mat to simulate real grass impact while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the positional parameter of the artificial turf pad during operation. The pad moves from its initial position forward during impact, and the elastic element controls this parameter change. This parameter change allows the pad to absorb impact forces and simulate the feel of hitting off real grass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the artificial turf pad is allowed to shift under impact, then impact absorption is improved, but the pad requires additional mechanisms to return to position and maintain consistency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element provides self-service by automatically returning the artificial turf pad to its original position after impact without requiring external intervention. The elastic element stores energy during compression and releases it to restore the pad, enabling consistent repeatable performance while absorbing impact forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed in the frame to accommodate the pad's movement. The elastic element is positioned to absorb impact forces before the pad reaches its maximum displacement, cushioning the impact and enabling the pad to return to its starting position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the pad is made slidable to absorb impact, then the feel of hitting off real grass is simulated, but the pad may not return to its original position for consistent repeated use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeel of hitting off real grassVSAvoidposition consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element controls the positional parameter of the pad, ensuring it returns to its original position after impact. This parameter control maintains position consistency for repeated use while still allowing the pad to slide forward during impact to simulate real grass feel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design provides a more realistic golfing experience by absorbing impact forces and reducing vibration, allowing for more accurate hits and simulating the feel of hitting off real grass.

Implementation Method 1

At least one elastic element, such as a rubber cord, extends laterally across the channel, and with the elastic element attached directly or indirectly to the artificial turf pad. Impact of the golf club head on the pad causes the pad to slide forward, absorbing impact forces and providing a feel to the golfer closer to hitting off of real grass. The elastic element decelerates the pad, and returns to the pad to its original position after the impact.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9089755B2Golf practice mat

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 IMPLUS FOOTCARE LLC

AI summary

A golf mat includes a frame having a central channel between left and right side shoulders. A hitting pad, such as an artificial turf pad, is slidable within or on the central channel. At least one elastic element, such as a rubber cord, extends laterally across the channel, and with the elastic element attached directly or indirectly to the artificial turf pad. Impact of the golf club head on the pad causes the pad to slide forward, absorbing impact forces and providing a feel to the golfer closer to hitting off of real grass. The elastic element decelerates the pad, and returns to the pad to its original position after the impact. The elastic element may be an elastic cord having plugged or knotted ends secured between inner and outer walls of the side shoulders of the frame.