Concept¶
Planning¶
My final project is a mini-golf course with automated features and obstacles made from CAD. I intend to base this off of the Raintree North Course hole 7, a par 5 featuring bunkers, lakes, and a cart path.
I need a wooden base, laser-cut, covered in AstroTurf. The tee box would require an additional layer, otherwise, one could place the ball wherever. Adding multiple would over complicate the process.
The cart path would not be AstroTurf, although I could find a bit of granite or similar to add to the immersion. Would that be enough? Typically, golf carts ride along these paths, and the additional threat of hitting one - on the opening shot, no less – would help greatly. The next question is how to make this. It would likely involve 3D printing, motors, PCB insertion, and simple programming to move back and forth. It would not need to reverse, just U-turn at the end, possibly stopping for an easier game.
For the path itself, I need some variance. The offside bunker helps, but for mini-golf, adding slope and divots is necessary.
Now, the lake. This requires, not just laser cutting, but likely woodwork. I would possibly saw the base in order to create an extended, precise lake. I would pour water into this. Stagnant water’s no fun, so another opportunity lies in a spinning mechanism to churn the water. If one can create a windmill for mini-golf, this should not be a problem.
I would likely need a bridge, which leaves me three choices. I could 3D print a narrow, intricate bridge across the lake for the ball to follow. I could print or cut a simpler but more challenging drawbridge programmed to rise and fall at certain intervals. Miss the drawbridge and fall. I could technically stay true to the inspiration and not have a bridge, which would involve adding a slope for the player to chip the ball. After considering this, it would be a bit risky and unnecessarily complicated. Some putters are more receptive to chipping than others, so I’ll eliminate this.
I visited a mini golf course a while ago for an event, and the course incorporates more elements like the drawbridge. The alternative is more luck-based and ornate. I may change my mind on this later, but a drawbridge seems ideal.
The side bunkers, much like the fairway bunkers, would involve pouring sand in smaller holes in the base. I’m unsure how difficult this would be.
Last, the green. This would entail 3D printing a removable flag and drilling a hole in, large enough for a standard golf ball. I may or may not incorporate the concept of pin position, or the ability to place the hole in different spots, into the project. While this seems doable by drilling multiple and using wooden insertions to replace the holes, would it be worth it? The alternative would be keeping one spot in the center and possibly programming it to congratulate you when the ball lands in the pin. This would be less complicated and lead to a smoother green. Also, more electrical engineering, and of course choosing a soundtrack.
I researched the average dimensions for a short but playable mini-golf course. I found that 4-5 feet per turn is enough room. Any less would be difficult to play on, and any more would be beyond the scope of this project. These are very tentative dimensions.
To summarize, I plan to add a golf cart that moves along a cart path, an automated drawbridge across the lake, and a small mill to make the lake water flow.
Sketch¶
I planned my final project prior to the beginning of Fab Academy and have a rough sketch in Notability. Since it is different from my original idea, I will confirm this with my teachers next week.
My project is a mini-golf course inspired by Raintree, a country club near us, with electrical components. I chose #7 on the North Course due to its variety of elements and room for experimentation. The course also includes a sharp turn, which will add to the challenge. This game could potentially be sold for golf enthusiasts to practice during their free time, or as entertainment at events.
I sketched a model for my final project. In doing so, I determined the components that my final project would ideally have.
I created a basic sketch of the course layout and the design of the surface. This was the reference I used for 2D and 3D models.
