Throwable Golf Marker with Counterweight and Self-Deploying Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Errant golf shots often result in difficulty locating golf balls on the course, leading to slowed pace of play, as existing methods like verbal directions or makeshift markers are not effective.
Innovation Solution
A throwable location marking device with a weighted section and a visual indicator, featuring a catch and latch mechanism that deploys to stand upright on impact, aiding golfers in quickly locating errant shots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a location marking device is thrown onto the golf course surface, then the device can mark the location of an errant golf shot, but the device may not remain upright or visible if it lies flat on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a collapsed state during transport to an upright deployed state upon impact. The catch member and latch member create a dynamic mechanism that automatically changes the device's configuration from flat to upright when thrown, ensuring visibility while maintaining simplicity during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into multiple portions (first portion with weighted section, second portion with visual indicator) connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows each portion to serve a specific function while enabling the overall structure to transform from a compact flat state to an upright visible state through the hinge mechanism.
2Illumination intensity
If the visual indicator is positioned far from the surface, then it can be seen from a greater distance, but the device becomes harder to throw accurately and may not stay in place
Solution Approach 1:
The weighted section in the first portion acts as a counterweight to balance the visual indicator in the second portion. This weighting ensures the device throws accurately and lands with the weighted section providing stability, while the visual indicator extends upward for maximum visibility. The weight compensates for the extended length, maintaining placement reliability.
3Reliability
If the catch and latch mechanism is used to deploy the device upright, then the device becomes more reliable in staying upright, but the mechanism adds complexity to the device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The catch member and latch member create a self-deploying mechanism that automatically transitions the device from flat to upright upon impact without requiring manual intervention. The mechanism uses the throwing motion itself to trigger deployment, ensuring reliable upright positioning while keeping the mechanism simple and integrated into the device structure.
4Productivity
If the device is designed to be throwable, then it can be quickly deployed to mark locations, but the device may not maintain its position on the surface after impact
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to dynamically transition from a thrown moving state to a stable upright state through the catch-latch mechanism. The weighted section provides stability upon impact, while the automatic deployment mechanism ensures the device quickly assumes its upright positioning role, balancing deployment speed with position stability.
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
Significantly reduces the time required to locate golf balls, maintaining a faster pace of play by providing a visible marker that can be easily seen from a distance, enhancing golf course efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion including a weighted section... The weighted section of the first portion is located at a location opposite the connection location such that the second portion extends away from the surface
Implementation Method 2
The catch member is configured to move from the operative position to the inoperative position upon an impact with a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A location marking device includes a first portion having a weighted section. A second portion extends from a first end to a second end, the first end connected to the first portion at a connection location. A visual indicator is attached to the second end of the second portion. The location marking device is configured to be placed on a surface of a golf course. The weighted section of the first portion is located at a location opposite the connection location such that the second portion extends away from the surface and the visual indicator is positioned a distance away from the surface in order to be visually located by a golfer traversing the golf course.