Spinning Wheel Mini Golf Hole for Variable Ball Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing miniature golf courses lack features that can effectively challenge and entertain players of all skill levels, leading to frustration among less experienced players when competing against more experienced ones.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a spinning wheel with circumferentially arranged cavities and a transfer panel in miniature golf holes, equipped with sensors to detect the ball's path and channels to direct it to the hole, providing varied and engaging gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional miniature golf obstacles are used, then the course is familiar and easy to operate, but it lacks challenge and entertainment for players of all skill levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a spinning wheel with multiple cavities that rotates to present different paths to players. The wheel's rotation creates dynamic, changing obstacles that adapt to each spin, providing varied challenge levels and maintaining engagement for players of all skill levels while managing complexity through a modular design.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the spinning wheel, then the ball's path can be detected, but electrical interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing sensors from the spinning wheel structure itself and placing them in a stationary position. This separation eliminates electrical interference issues that would arise from having sensors on the rotating wheel, while still enabling accurate detection of the ball's path through the cavities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a spinning wheel with multiple cavities is introduced, then gameplay complexity and engagement are enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the spinning wheel into multiple distinct cavities, each representing a separate path or challenge. This segmentation allows the complex gameplay mechanics to be broken down into manageable, modular components that are easier to manufacture and maintain, while still providing enhanced engagement through the variety of paths players can take.
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature golf hole with a spinning wheel is disclosed. An example miniature golf hole includes a spinning wheel that defines cavities arranged circumferentially about the spinning wheel. A cavity surface of each of the cavities defines one or more cavity openings through which the golf ball is capable of traveling upon entering the respective cavity. The one or more cavity openings of each of the cavities are positioned at a radial distance along the spinning wheel that is different to that of the one or more cavity openings of the other of the cavities. A transfer panel is stationary and positioned below the spinning wheel. The transfer panel includes concentric rings each of which aligns vertically with the one or more cavity openings of a respective one of the cavities to receive the golf ball from the respective cavity.