Adjustable Golf Club Shaft with Locking Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional metal wood golf club shafts are fixed in length, requiring users to cut or purchase new shafts for adjustments, which is inconvenient and does not allow for optimal weight distribution for improved performance.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable golf club shaft with a grip portion and a lower shaft connected via an engaging mechanism, featuring a locking element that allows for length adjustment by at least 1 inch and weight optimization within a specific zone, ensuring the shaft remains secure under axial loads and maintains a traditional feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is made adjustable in length, then the adaptability to different swing styles and performance optimization is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the engaging mechanism and locking element
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into a grip portion and a lower shaft that can be adjusted relative to each other. The engaging mechanism includes a drive shaft with threading that engages with a threaded bore in the lower shaft, allowing segmented adjustment while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to automatically engage and lock the adjusted position without requiring additional tools or complex operations. The user simply needs to insert the locking element into the locking hole, and the threaded engagement provides self-locking through friction and mechanical interlocking.
2Weight of moving object
If the shaft weight in the weight zone is reduced to less than 110g, then the ease of operation and swing performance is improved, but the strength and reliability under axial loads may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft has different weight characteristics in different zones. The grip portion and lower shaft are designed with specific weight distributions to achieve the target weight in the weight zone (less than 110g) while maintaining sufficient strength through strategic material placement and cross-sectional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft may utilize composite construction with different materials having different densities and strength properties. This allows optimization of weight in the weight zone while maintaining strength through the use of high-strength, low-weight materials in critical load-bearing sections.
3Reliability
If the locking element is designed to prevent axial movement under 2000N load, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple component (locking element) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This locking element with its locking protrusion and corresponding locking hole provides reliable prevention of axial movement under 2000N load while being simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion and locking hole are designed with curved or rounded geometries that facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement. This curved design simplifies manufacturing compared to sharp-edged features while maintaining reliable locking under axial loads.
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
The adjustable shaft allows for customizable length and weight distribution, enhancing user performance by providing a secure and lightweight option that mimics the feel of a traditional shaft while accommodating various swing styles.
Implementation Method 1
A lower shaft having an inner surface that is in frictional contact with the locking element
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable length golf club shaft having a grip portion with an end point is disclosed. A locking element is located within the grip portion and a lower shaft having an inner surface that is in frictional contact with the locking element is also disclosed. The locking element is configured to engage the inner surface of the lower shaft. A total length of the golf club shaft is adjustable by a distance of at least one inch and a total weight of the golf club shaft in a weight zone is less than 110 g. The weight zone is defined as a region of the golf club shaft extending from the end point of the grip portion up to 11″ along a central axis of the golf club shaft toward a tip portion of the shaft.