Air cannon apparatus and system for golf ball testing

An air cannon apparatus and system for test launching golf balls. The apparatus includes a barrel sized to slidably receive a golf ball, an air pressure tank coupled to the barrel by an air control valve, a golf ball air clamp assembly for holding a golf ball for rotation about a spin axis within and transverse to the barrel, and a servomotor coupled to the air clamp assembly for controlledly spinning the golf ball prior to launching. The air control valve releases a charge of pressurized air from the air pressure tank into the barrel against the spinning golf ball simultaneous with releasing the clamp whereupon the golf ball is launched from the barrel. The system also includes a frame assembly for lockable positioning of the apparatus at a selected inclination angle and a system controller. The apparatus is selectively rotatable to vary the angular orientation of the spin axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to golf equipment and more specifically to an air cannon apparatus and system which tests the flight and roll performance of a broad array of golf balls to achieve optimal golf ball distance and consistency.

2. Description of Related Art

Systems for golf ball fitting are well known. Conventional methods for finding the best golf ball for a golfer derive from the golfer actually playing rounds of golf with different brands and then deciding which brand is best. Obviously this method has its faults. Not only is it extremely time consuming but it can be very expensive. Another method for golf ball selection is to go to a retail store and go through a ball fitting system. Most of these systems are designed by the golf ball manufacturers and are only applicable to the brands they make. Still another method is to categorize golfers based upon their ability levels and then lump them into categories matching specific brands.

Four patents assigned to Acushnet Company, invented by Bissonnette, et al. disclose general golf ball testing machines and methods for measurement of Coefficient Of Restitution (COR) and contact time of golf balls. U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,600 teaching an apparatus and method for quantifying the stiffness of a golf ball or COR, while also measuring contact time. The apparatus is an air cannon providing means for velocity measurement. U.S. Pat. No. 6,804,988 discloses an automated machine for testing physical properties of golf balls and U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,039 discloses the method and apparatus for measuring the coefficient of restitution of a golf ball following simulated hitting by an actual golf club. The '178 patent is a continuation of the '988 and '600 patents.

Christensen discloses a golf ball projecting air cannon capable of projecting a golf ball or paint ball beyond 100 yards in U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,294. Tygar, et al. discloses a pneumatic golf ball launching device in U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,428.

A performance assessment and information system is taught by Seeley, et al. in U.S. published application 2008/0021651 which is designed to measure, calculate, derive and analyze the ball movement and ball-oriented characteristics in order to provide an assessment of the player's performance. Chien in U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,650 teaches a pneumatic golf club testing apparatus which projects a golf ball at a fixed golf club head.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,671 to Mihran teaches a device for providing for the accurate determination of the launch angle of a golf ball after being struck by a golf ball. Voges, et al. teaches systems and methods using advanced technology for identifying the optimum equipment for a golfer in U.S. Pat. No. 7,166,035. Gobush describes a method and apparatus for measuring ball launch conditions in U.S. published application 2007/0060410.

Since all golfers are unique in their swing characteristics it is most important to determine how that unique swing impacts the golf ball. The golf ball speed, golf ball spin rate and the golf ball launch angle immediately upon impact are the most critical pieces of information needed to determine how a golf ball will perform. With the development of golf launch monitors it is now readily available for golfers to gather this data. It was necessary to develop a database system to compare a plurality of golf balls based on this available data. A testing method was established to compare these golf balls against one another at various tests. To insure complete accuracy in testing specialized testing equipment had to be built to perform exacting tests. A centrifugal force rotary robot was designed to perform impact tests.

An air cannon system was designed to conduct golf ball aerodynamic performance testing. This air cannon is the subject of this patent application. A pendulum-putting machine was also designed to conduct putting tests. Other equipment that is standard to the golf industry such as durometers, compression testers, chronographs and launch monitors were used in testing. Traditional robots and air cannons common to the golf industry could not be used to conduct tests. Golf robots such as “Iron Byron” are designed to swing golf clubs and simulate a real golfers swing. The problem is their inability to generate the same exact strike on the golf ball each time. The inconsistency in shaft bending and impact locations on the golf face will skew golf ball comparison studies. Therefore a pendulum type centrifuge was designed to swing in a perfect circle allowing for the golf ball to be struck in the same exact location every time. The speed can be controlled through a servomotor and the launch angle can be altered via the hitting blocks attached to the end of the shaft. An air cannon system had to be designed that could shoot the golf balls at various speeds, launch angles and spin rates without the impact of a golf club. Since the amount of times a golf ball can be struck with a golf club is limited before damage occurs, a no impact device had to be designed. This equipment is necessary to develop the golf ball comparison testing databases. Finally it is known that all golf balls within a given brand do not perform exactly the same. This is true because of manufacturing tolerances. Therefore it is necessary to not only determine which brand is best for a golfer but then that brand should be tested for consistency.

Another invention of applicants herein which is the subject of a separate pending patent application is directed to a method of matching a golfer's skills to a particular brand of golf balls by first testing a golfer's skills using a golf launch monitor, the data derived from this test being entered into an extensive computerized system of research databases. Further test results are taken for putting comparisons between all brands within the system. A final category known as “the feel index” is also tested and entered into the computer database. Based upon the results and golfer preference towards distance, accuracy, putting and feel, the top brand is selected for that person. This brand is then subjected to a series of air cannon tests to determine the performance characteristics of each ball. The balls are then subdivided into groups and performance rated for consistency.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Overview

The purpose of this golf ball cannon apparatus and system is to replicate the flight of golf balls when struck by a golfer. The air cannon apparatus is capable or creating any ball speed from a minimum of 35 MPH to a high speed of 185 MPH. The angle of launch can be adjusted from a low of 0 degrees to a high of 45 degrees and the spin rate can be set with a low value of 0 RPM's to a high value of 10,000 RPM's. The air cannon apparatus can also be rotated on its axis to generate sidespin from a low value of 0 RPM's to a high value of 10,000 RPM's in either direction, left or right which will allow for slicing and hooking patterns. These parameters will allow the air cannon apparatus to duplicate the flight pattern of virtually any golf shot that can be created by a human being. The concept is to be able to shoot a default brand golf ball at various launch angles, spin rates and ball speeds to determine the flight characteristics of that brand. This information will be useful in developing ball fitting and club fitting systems. The air cannon apparatus can also be used to check golf balls for consistency. The data generated from the cannon can be useful in creating optimum flight modules to help golfers improve their games.

The air cannon apparatus uses pneumatic air pressure to propel the golf ball. The ball is held inside the barrel by a specially clamping device that is powered by pneumatics. The same device is used to spin the golf ball to create backspin. This is powered by a servomotor. An electronic actuator is used to open and close a ball valve to allow for the release of air to propel the golf ball from the barrel. A regulator is used to moderate the amount of air pressure which controls the speed of the golf ball. The barrel is adjusted vertically to create the desired launch angle. The air cannon apparatus is then rotated on its axis to the desired degree to create the desired amount of sidespin.

The entire system runs off a smart motor interface controller that adjusts the controls of all the devices. The controller is set to clamp the golf ball, then turn on the servomotor, bring the ball speed to the desired setting, then simultaneously relax the ball clamp and open the ball valve to allow the air to flow against the golf ball thus propelling the spinning ball from the barrel. The ball then passes through a speed trap or chronograph upon exiting the barrel to measure the exact ball speed.

The air cannon testing is the most critical part of testing methodology. The golf balls are placed in the barrel of an air cannon in various positions. The cannon is adjustable to create virtually any ball speed, launch angle and spin rate that can be created by a golfer. A series of tests are conducted at various ball speeds, launch angles and spin rates to develop a database for carry distance, total distance and accuracy for each brand based on the launch angle, spin rate and ball speed parameters. These balls are shot outdoors onto a field that is lined and measured. A technician in the field charts the exact landing point for each golf ball. The carry distance, carry offline distance; total distance with roll and total offline distance with roll are also measured and recorded. Weather conditions including temperature, humidity, wind direction and wind speed are recorded for each shot. Comparison testing must be conducted in common weather conditions so as not to skew results. Wind speed cannot exceed 3 MPH or it will affect the ball flight.

This data is used to develop a three dimensional “look up” database of total distance, carry distance, and offline accuracy for the software program.

Example

How the Air Cannon Works

The air cannon apparatus software is opened with a laptop computer. The desired spin rate for the golf test being conducted is entered into the software. That speed setting will remain constant through the entire test. The air pressure is set for the cannon. The air passes through a regulator and the pressure is set. Air pressure controls the amount of pressure applied to the golf ball. This will propel the ball at a desired speed based upon the setting.

The fire button is then pressed. Immediately the ball clamps move inside the barrel and close, grabbing the golf ball. The servo controller then sends a speed signal to the servomotor and the motor spins at that desired setting e.g. 3500 RPM's. Once the servomotor reaches the desired speed a second signal is sent to the air clamps allowing them to relax the grip on the golf ball. Simultaneously a 3rdcommand is sent to the electronic ball valve. This allows for the valve to open and a direct blast of air is imparted on the golf ball.

The golf ball then is propelled out of the barrel at the desired ball speed, launch angle and backspin rate for that specific test. This procedure is repeated for each and every brand. The distance results for each shot are recorded by a field technician.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permeations and additions and subcombinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereinafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permeations, additions and subcombinations that are within their true spirit and scope.

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative and not limiting in scope. In various embodiments one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions.

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered to be illustrative rather than limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and firstly toFIGS. 1 to 3, the golf ball test launching system is there shown generally at numeral10and includes an air cannon apparatus12, a system controller within housing14, an air compressor16, a frame assembly18, and a laptop computer20. The air cannon apparatus12includes a compressed air storage tank22which is supported on an air tank support30having spaced front and rear supports68and70, respectively. An air release solenoid24is positioned between the air tank22and the front support68.

The air cannon apparatus12also includes an elongated tubular barrel28open at a distal end thereof and extending along a longitudinal axis62thereof. The proximal end portion of the barrel28is held within a split barrel collet26and supported within the front support68extending to the solenoid24. A collet support80, which supports the collet26, also supports a ball clamp assembly76which will be described more fully herebelow.

The air cannon apparatus12is, in its entirety, pivotally connected about a launch angle axis32to the upright member of frame assembly18by this pivotal connection therebetween. When the launch angle locking handle78is loosened, the air cannon apparatus12and air tank support30are pivotally movable in the direction of arrow A about the launch angle axis32into an inclined position shown in phantom inFIG. 3. A launch angle indicator66attached to the air tank support30provides a viewable indicia as to the currently selected inclination of the air cannon apparatus12.

As seen inFIG. 2schematically, the air compressor16provides a source of pressurized air flowing through an air dryer firstly and then into a system air pressure regulator38. Compressed air at the selected pressure will then flow in the direction of the arrows into the air tank22and also into a ball clamp air pressure regulator40. The reduced pressurized air will then flow from the regulator40into the ball clamp air lines44and46and into the ball clamp assembly76, the functionally of which will be described in more detail herebelow.

Still referring toFIG. 2, a system control circuit36mounted within the system controller housing14shown inFIG. 1, receives system control input from a programmed laptop computer20. Control signals are then sent from the controller circuit36(a) to the regulator40which regulates the operation of the ball clamp assembly76, (b) to the solenoid24which controls the pressure and volume discharge of pressurized air from air tank22, (c) regulates the functioning of the ball clamp assembly76and (d) receives start and stop commands from the system start switch82.

Referring additionally toFIG. 4, the air cannon apparatus12is rotatable about the barrel axis62when the barrel collet26has been loosened. The ball clamp assembly76defines a golf ball spin axis74which extends transversely therethrough and through the golf ball G. It is this spin axis74which is tilted in one direction or the other from horizontal in the direction of arrow B when the entire air cannon apparatus12is thus rotated. A golf ball spin axis indicator64, in combination with the gravity-pivotable pointer84provides visual indicia as to the selected orientation of the spin axis74selected as shown in phantom.

Referring now additionally toFIGS. 5,6and7A, B and C, the functioning of the ball clamp assembly76which facilitates several important aspects of the present invention is there shown. As seen inFIG. 5, a golf ball G (shown in phantom) has been loaded into the barrel28from the open distal end, although alternate loading means are envisioned within the scope of this invention. The system controller circuit36, in combination with pressurized air supplied to the ball clamp assembly76through air lines44and46, causes the movable supports58and60to move inwardly toward one another in the direction of arrows C. Each of these supports58and60dependently hold rotatable servo spin shafts48and50therein in concentric alignment along the spin axis74. Attached at each distal end of each of these spin shafts48and50are elastomeric golf ball support cups52and54, each of which have concave opposing facing surfaces which match and align against the opposing spherical outer surface segments of the golf ball G.

A servomotor42, again controlled by the controller circuit36, causes the spin shaft and the driven golf ball support cup52to rotate in the direction of arrow D. Consequently, the free spinning golf ball support cup54and supportively connected rotating shaft50will also spin in unison with the golf ball G. Note that the spin direction may be in either direction as shown by arrow D about the spin axis74. Moreover, by appropriate command input from the laptop computer20, the spin rate of the golf ball G is also programmed into and through the system controller circuit36.

Once the desired spin rate and spin direction of the golf ball G have been achieved, two additional steps occur simultaneously as seen inFIG. 6. First, command signal from the controller circuit36causes the supports58and60to move outwardly in the direction of arrow C′. This causes the support cups52and54to become disengaged from an clear of the golf ball G. Then, again substantially simultaneously, the solenoid24causes an air charge to be released from the air tank22in a volume amount and at a pressure level controlled by the laptop computer20. This discharge of pressurized air in the direction of arrow E causes the golf ball G to be launched from the barrel as best seen inFIG. 7Cwhile still spinning in the direction of arrow D. Because suitable clearance is provided between the inner cylindrical surface of the barrel28and the outer diameter of the golf ball G, very little if any of the selected spin rate of the golf ball G is diminished.

Referring back toFIG. 3, a chronograph72is positioned immediately adjacent to the open distal end of the barrel and in close proximity along and aligned with the barrel axis62so as to accurately measure the velocity of the golf ball G as it exits the barrel28. All data associated with each golf ball launching in this matter is then recorded on the laptop computer20for further statistical processing.

Set Up and Command Procedures

1. Level air cannon base to ground conditions.2. Align air cannon barrel to target grid centerline.3. Adjust air cannon barrel to proper launch angle.4. Adjust chronograph position to be parallel to barrel.5. Adjust side angle rotation of air cannon to create desired degree of hook or slice on golf ball.6. Attach air line hose from air compressor to air cannon.7. Adjust air regulator38to desired PSI pressure to generate desired golf ball speed.8. Adjust air regulator40to ball clamping pressure of 20 PSI.9. Attach communication cord from chronograph72to digital readout device.10. Attach communication cable from air cannon to computer system36.11. Plug air cannon power cord into 110-120 V outlet.12. Turn on computer20and open the golf2 software program.13. Enter the desired golf ball spin rate into the goldf2 software.14. Insert test golf ball G into cannon barrel28.15. Push activation button82on air cannon.
Air Cannon Smart Motor Interface Command Lines16. Once the activation button82has been pressed on the cannon a series of commands are performed by the Smart Motor Interface Program.a. The air clamp76, solenoid valve24and servomotor42are all integrated and programmed.b. The first command allows the air clamp46to move inward to grasp the golf ball G.c. The next command tells the servomotor42to begin spinning.d. The next command comes from the golf2 software informing the servomotor42to accelerate the ball spinning until it reaches the desired spin rate.e. The next command tells the servo42to hold the speed at the desired spin rate for 5 seconds.f. The next two commands tell the solenoid valve24to open to allow the air to be released from the tank22onto the golf ball G.g. Within a millisecond of the previous command a new command tells the air clamp76to relax the pressure on the golf ball G.h. The ball G is then hit with a significant blast of air pushing it up the barrel.i. Once the golf ball G has been pushed away from the air clamp76a new command is sent to the air clamp76to open to original position.j. A final command is then sent to restart the sequence for the next shot.17. The ball speed is recorded with the with the chronograph72as it exits the air cannon barrel28and that is recorded.18. Record the carry distance, total distance, carry off line from center and total distance offline of each golf ball shot.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permeations and additions and subcombinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereinafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permeations, additions and subcombinations that are within their true spirit and scope.