04 - The Mini Golf Machine

Project Members

Marcie Legarde

Alexa Aguilar Izquierdo

Jared Holt

Carson Nguyen

Table of Contents

Summary

Team 4 developed a mechanism capable of launching a golf ball loftily, mimicking the form and velocity profile of a human swing. This one-degree-of-freedom mechanism was designed to propel a golf ball at an inclined angle despite a constant angular velocity input, utilizing the triple crank Watt's linkage. Specifically targeting the impact of a pitching wedge on a golf ball, which typically features a loft of 44 to 48 degrees to create upward and forward motion, the team utilized this wedge model to shape and position the end effector for ball contact.

Throughout the project, the team grappled with the challenge of bringing a six-bar mechanism to fruition. The chosen Watt's linkage presented numerous conflicting joints requiring innovative problem-solving. Ultimately, the team devised a solution by creating a split-ternary link to facilitate passage for the ground and other links, adopting a "sandwich" design where two keyed ternary links encased the ground joint.

During the manufacturing phase, the team machined their own D-shafts and fine-tuned tolerances for laser-cut links and 3D-printed bearing holes. Specialty items included on the Bill of Materials are PTFE, low-friction washers and lock nuts to secure screw joints.