The objective of this project is to create an 8′ x 12′ putting platform electrically controlled by linear actuators pushing into aluminum extrusions to create slopes in the ground.
Sponsored by: Spheres Consulting, LLC
Team Members
Mohammed Ali Devon Burke Tyler Cannon-Jenkins Skylar Daniel Steven Louie Austin Moucer Shruti Natal
Instructor: Paul Mittan
Project Poster
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Project Video
Project Summary
Overview
Typical full-size commercial putting platforms can cost upwards of $60,000. This limits their availability to golf professionals and commercial settings, so our team has been tasked to create a putting platform that creates slopes and hills in the “green” as if they were on an actual golf course. The user can move the platform using a graphical user interface (GUI) on a tablet to achieve the designed slopes.
Objectives
– Develop a subsurface flexible enough to achieve 12″ of height variation while being sturdy enough to withstand the weight of 2 people.
– Design an apparatus that will allow the vertical motion of the surface while minimizing overall height and maximizing load capability
– Keep cost in the $5,000 – $8,000 range.
Approach
– KERF materials such as plywood and composite decking. KERFing is adding slits of notches into the material, parallel to the direction of motion, such that the material has the ability to flex more than a solid piece would normally be capable of.
– Linear actuators have high load capability and can easily be synchronized. Connecting these to a sliding mechanism with hinges allows the translation of horizontal motion to vertical motion. Using pieces of aluminum extrusion minimizes deflection when fully loaded by two people.
– Linear actuators provide a cost-effective method of providing the necessary load capacity. Further, only using aluminum pieces where necessary minimizes costs. On the controls side, use of off-the-shelf Arduinos keeps the electronics simple, versatile, and relatively cheap.
Outcomes
– KERFing the materials is very effective but complex. It proved to be a very capable method, but requires more experimentation before being perfected.
– Designed an apparatus that uses high-density polyethylene to minimize friction and aid the sliding motion. Aluminum extrusion is very versatile and allows a great deal of mounting methods to ensure stable connections to the frame. Further, it minimizes deflection when compared to wood.
– The overall cost of the prototype is well within the target range, meaning that further refinement is very possible without worry of going over budget.