Adjustable Golf Club Shaft With Internal Mass for Swing Weight Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf clubs lack adjustable length and mass options that do not significantly impact the total weight, swing weight, or aesthetics, making it difficult for casual golfers to customize their clubs without incurring additional costs or modifying the club's weight and stiffness.
Innovation Solution
The golf club features an adjustable length shaft assembly that allows for sliding adjustments within the shaft and grip, using a threaded screw mechanism or elastic compression, and an adjustable mass assembly that moves within the shaft to alter swing weight and moment of inertia, maintaining overall club weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the shaft length is adjusted by cutting or trimming, then the shaft length is modified, but the swing weight, total weight, and shaft stiffness are adversely changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescoping shaft mechanism where an inner shaft is nested within an outer shaft. The inner shaft can slide axially relative to the outer shaft to adjust club length, while counterweights embedded in the shaft assembly compensate for weight changes. This nested structure enables length adjustment without compromising swing weight consistency, as the counterweights offset the mass changes that would otherwise occur with traditional cutting or trimming methods.
2Length of moving object
If a new shaft is purchased to adjust length, then the shaft length is changed, but additional cost is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic shaft length adjustment mechanism that allows the club length to be modified without replacing the entire shaft. The telescoping design with sliding inner and outer shafts enables continuous or discrete length changes, eliminating the need to purchase and install new shafts. This dynamic adjustment system reduces material consumption and associated costs while providing flexibility for different playing conditions or player preferences.
3Length of moving object
If the grip is removed and shaft end is cut to shorten shaft, then shaft length is reduced, but additional expense and time are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-assembling the telescoping shaft mechanism with sliding interfaces and locking features during manufacturing. This allows end-users to adjust shaft length quickly by simply sliding the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft and engaging the locking mechanism, without needing to remove grips or perform complex disassembly procedures. The preliminary preparation of the adjustable mechanism dramatically reduces adjustment time and eliminates the need for specialized tools or expertise.
4Length of moving object
If shaft extension is installed to lengthen shaft, then shaft length is increased, but total weight and swing weight are modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterweights integrated into the telescoping shaft assembly to compensate for the mass added by shaft extensions. When the inner shaft is extended to increase club length, the counterweights (which can be adjusted or repositioned) offset the additional mass, maintaining consistent total weight and swing weight. This counterbalancing mechanism allows players to adjust club length without experiencing unwanted changes in weight characteristics that would affect swing dynamics and performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf club has a first shaft coupled to a club head, a second shaft configured to slidably engage a portion of the first shaft, a grip coupled to the second shaft, and an adjustable length shaft assembly received by the second shaft and configured to allow a portion of the first shaft to slide in relation to the second shaft in a first configuration, and to restrict a portion of the first shaft from sliding in relation to the second shaft in a second configuration. The grip is restricted from rotation about the first shaft or the second shaft as the first shaft slides in relation to the second shaft.