Additive Golf Club Head Structure for CG and Launch Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf club head manufacturing processes are limited in customizability and geometric complexity, restricting the ability to leverage performance advantages from various club head types in a single club head, as they rely on molds that constrain center of gravity (CG) location and volume-based constraints.
Innovation Solution
The use of 3D printing or additive manufacturing techniques to create golf club heads with a lattice structure integrated into the body, allowing for customizable CG location and volume ratios between solid and lattice volumes, enabling the combination of performance benefits from different club head designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional manufacturing processes (forging, casting, machining) are used to manufacture golf club heads, then the manufacturing process is well-established and reliable, but the ability to customize center of gravity location and achieve complex geometries is limited due to mold constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the density and distribution of the lattice structure throughout the club head body. Different regions have different lattice configurations (e.g., thicker walls in some areas, open lattices in others) to strategically position the center of gravity and optimize performance characteristics for specific shot types and playing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The club head is segmented into a solid outer shell and an internal lattice structure that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the lattice portions to be optimized for specific functions (weight distribution, CG positioning, structural support) while maintaining the overall club head integrity through the solid shell
2Strength
If a large-volume hollow construction club head is manufactured, then the moment of inertia is higher providing more forgiveness, but the launch conditions and distance variability become less consistent compared to low-volume forged club heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solid material and lattice structure in a composite configuration within the club head. This composite approach allows the solid portions to provide structural integrity and consistent launch conditions, while the lattice portions contribute to increased moment of inertia through strategic mass distribution, achieving both forgiveness and precision
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the club head have different structural qualities - solid material in areas requiring precision and consistency, and lattice structures in areas where weight distribution and moment of inertia are prioritized. This local differentiation enables simultaneous optimization of both MOI and launch condition consistency
3Adaptability or versatility
If additive manufacturing is used to create complex lattice structures, then customization of performance characteristics is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex compared to conventional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes inherent in additive manufacturing to vary the lattice structure configuration (cell size, wall thickness, pattern density) throughout the club head. These parametric variations are programmed into the digital model and automatically fabricated, enabling extensive performance customization without requiring complex manual manufacturing steps
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
This approach enables the creation of golf club heads with tailored performance characteristics, such as adjustable CG, higher moment of inertia, and consistent launch conditions, by manipulating material distribution and geometry, overcoming the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The lattice structure is arranged within the internal cavity and is formed layer by layer via an additive manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
A process manufacturing a golf club head includes the steps of forming, via an additive manufacturing process, a body of the golf club head by printing, layer by layer, a boundary that encloses a volume and is formed by at least one layer, and sintering the body to form a solid material within the volume.