Adjustable Length Putter with Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional putters have fixed lengths, which can be inconvenient for golfers who grow or prefer different lengths, leading to issues such as outgrowing equipment, inconsistent performance, and difficulties in experimentation with different stances or styles. Additionally, fixed length putters can be cumbersome to store and transport.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable length putter with a clamping mechanism that securely maintains the desired length, allowing for easy adjustments without relying on user strength or susceptibility to overtightening. The putter features a length adjustment mechanism comprising an outer shaft, an inner shaft, and a clamping mechanism that can lock the relative movement of the shafts, ensuring stability and rigidity during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed length putter is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot accommodate golfers of different heights or those who prefer different lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The putter shaft is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can slide relative to each other, allowing the overall length to be adjusted. The shaft comprises a first section, second section, and third section that can be extended or retracted to achieve different lengths while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic sections are nested within each other, with the second section sliding within the first section and the third section sliding within the second section. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage when retracted and extended length when needed, effectively solving the adaptability-complexity contradiction
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple putters of different lengths are purchased, then length adaptability is achieved, but the expense and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single putter is designed to perform multiple length configurations, making it universal for different golfer heights and preferences. The telescopic mechanism allows one putter to replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed-length putters, reducing both quantity and associated costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable length putter with screw shaft locking is used, then length adaptability is provided, but the locking feature is unreliable and the mechanism is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional screw-based locking mechanism is replaced with a cam-based locking system. The cam mechanism provides reliable locking through geometric engagement rather than threaded friction, and can be operated with a simple lever motion rather than multiple screw rotations, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining adjustability
4Adaptability or versatility
If putters with very long shafts are used, then length adaptability for tall golfers is achieved, but storage and transport become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The putter shaft transitions from a fixed static length to a dynamic adjustable length. The telescopic sections can be extended to accommodate tall golfers and retracted for compact storage and transport. This dynamic capability allows the putter to adapt its volume based on usage requirements, solving the contradiction between length range and storage efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable length putter has a putter head having a contact face adapted to contact a golf ball, a grip portion having a graspable surface adapted to be grasped by a golfer, and a shaft portion connecting the grip portion to the putter head. The shaft portion has a length adjustment mechanism with an outer shaft having a hollow interior, an inner shaft slidable within the hollow interior of the outer shaft, and a clamping mechanism moveable between an unlocked position in which the inner shaft is able to slide within the outer shaft and a locked position in which the inner shaft is prevented from sliding within the outer shaft. The clamping mechanism can be a constrictor clamp, the constrictor clamp having a passageway that receives the outer shaft, wherein the constrictor clamp comprises a clamp actuator that moves the clamping mechanism from the unlocked position to the locked position by changing a cross-sectional dimension of the passageway. The adjustable length putter is moveable from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration by sliding the inner shaft within the outer shaft when the clamping mechanism is in the unlocked position. In one version, a pivot pin of the clamp actuator is located in the front of the shaft portion to assist the golfer in aligning the putter during use.