Adjustable Weight Bar for Multi-Axis Center of Gravity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf club head designs lack the ability to adjust the center of gravity along multiple axes, particularly the horizontal X and Y axes, which limits the optimization of weight distribution and performance.
Innovation Solution
A golf club head design featuring a weight bar with a central region and adjustable ends, a screw system with a recessed region and retention feature, allowing for the adjustment of the center of gravity along both horizontal axes without using weight screws, and incorporating a slidable weight assembly for enhanced adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional weight adjustment mechanisms are used, then center of gravity can be adjusted along one axis, but the device complexity increases and appearance is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The weight bar is divided into multiple sections with different width regions (first width W1 at central region, second width W2 at first end, third width W3 at second end). This segmentation allows the weight bar to engage with different retention features (rails or grooves) at different locations, enabling center of gravity adjustment along multiple axes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight bar serves multiple functions: it provides weight for center of gravity adjustment, acts as a structural element connecting different parts of the club head, and engages with retention features to enable adjustable positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If weight screws are used for adjustment, then center of gravity can be modified, but the appearance at address is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism components (weight bar with varying widths, retention features) are integrated into the internal structure of the club head body, removing the need for external weight screws that would be visible at address. The adjustment elements are extracted from the external appearance and incorporated into the internal architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight bar is nested within the club head body structure, with portions of it fitting into recessed regions and engaging with retention features that are integrated into the club head's internal geometry. This nesting conceals the adjustment mechanism within the club head's overall shape.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple weight bars are used, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to adjust center of gravity along multiple axes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The weight bar exhibits local quality variations through its non-uniform cross-sectional dimensions (different widths W1, W2, W3 at different locations). This local variation in geometry enables the weight bar to engage with different retention features at different positions, providing multi-axis adjustment capability while still being manufacturable as a single piece with varying cross-sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf club head with means for adjusting a center of gravity along more than one axis is disclosed herein. The golf club head comprises at least one rectangular weight bar disposed within a recessed region on the sole and adjustable within the recessed region. One end of the weight bar is reversibly fixed to the sole with a connection element, while the other end includes an engagement feature that engages a retention feature at the edge of the recessed region. The retention feature provides multiple locations at the edge of the recessed region to which the engagement feature can be fixed, and when the weight bar is in a configuration desired by a golfer, the weight bar can be reversibly secured to the sole and immobilized within the recessed region by tightening the connection element. The weight bar may also include a slidable weight assembly.