Adjustable Counterbalance Weight Golf Putter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The prohibition on anchored-style putters has led to a need for golf club designs that replicate the consistency and control of anchored putters without violating rules, as traditional putters lack the necessary counterbalance to provide a smooth, planar stroke on fast greens.
Innovation Solution
A golf putter with an adjustable counterbalance weight system, featuring a tubular shaft, a heavier-than-normal putter head, and a movable weight within a hollow recess of the shaft, allowing the weight to be selectively repositioned to mimic the feel of an anchored putter, with a locking mechanism that secures the weight in place without requiring excessive torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional putter design is used, then the club is simple and compliant with rules, but it lacks the counterbalance needed for a smooth stroke on fast greens
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance weight is nested within the hollow shaft of the putter, utilizing the existing structural space. The shaft is designed with a hollow interior that receives and accommodates the counterbalance component, integrating two functional elements (shaft and counterbalance) into a single nested assembly without adding external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterbalance system incorporates adjustable and movable components that can be repositioned along the shaft. The weight can be moved between different positions (e.g., near the grip or mid-shaft) and locked into place, allowing dynamic adjustment of the counterbalance effect to suit different playing conditions and player preferences.
2Reliability
If an anchored putter style is used to provide consistency, then stroke control is improved, but it violates USGA and R&A rules
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential counterbalancing function from the anchored putter style and separates it from the prohibited anchoring mechanism. By removing the anchor point that violates the rules while retaining the counterbalance weight inside the shaft, the design achieves stroke consistency without breaking USGA or R&A regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a functional copy of the anchored putter's counterbalancing effect without copying the prohibited anchoring structure. The movable weight system replicates the feel and stroke characteristics of anchored putters while using a completely different mechanical approach that is rule-compliant.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable weight system is added to provide adjustability, then control is enhanced, but the locking mechanism requires excessive torque
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex high-torque locking mechanisms with simpler engagement systems. Instead of requiring substantial rotational force to lock the weight in place, the design uses features such as cam locks, spring-loaded latches, or interference fits that engage with minimal torque while maintaining secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates intermediary elements such as springs, cams, or intermediate shafts that facilitate easy engagement. These intermediary components translate small user inputs into effective locking actions, reducing the torque required while ensuring reliable weight positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf club includes a tubular shaft, a golf club head affixed to a first end of the tubular shaft, and a grip abutting a second end of the shaft. The golf club further includes an adjustable counterbalance that is insertable within a hollow recess of the grip. The adjustable counter balance includes an elongate member adapted to be secured to the tubular shaft, and a movable weight. The movable weight is selectively transitionable between a first, unlocked state that permits translation of the weight along the elongate member, and a second locked state that restrains the weight from free translation.