Adjustable Weighted Insert Golf Club Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf club designs face challenges in optimizing weight distribution and center of gravity placement to enhance playability and ball flight performance, particularly in wood-type clubs, where environmental factors and golfer-specific needs are not adequately addressed by existing designs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a weighted insert system within the golf club head, featuring a cavity with a longitudinal axis and locking mechanisms, including friction members and threaded features, allows for adjustable center of gravity placement along the x, y, and z axes, enabling optimal weight distribution and performance customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed weight distribution design is used in the club head, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adaptability to different golfer styles and environmental conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The club head is divided into multiple functional segments: a cavity body, a separate weighted insert, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the weight distribution to be independently adjusted within the cavity while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the club head, thereby improving adaptability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The weighting system transitions from a static fixed weight design to a dynamic adjustable system. The weighted insert can be repositioned within the cavity and locked at different locations, allowing the center of gravity to be dynamically adjusted based on golfer preferences and environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional weight distribution methods are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the precision of center of gravity placement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The weighted insert is pre-configured with specific weight values and dimensional characteristics before insertion into the cavity. The locking mechanism is pre-designed with specific engagement features that ensure precise positioning at predetermined locations, allowing accurate center of gravity placement without requiring complex post-manufacturing adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical welding or bonding method for attaching weights is replaced with a friction-based locking mechanism. The friction member and locking features provide precise positioning through friction engagement, eliminating the need for complex welding fixtures or adhesive application processes, thereby achieving high precision with manageable complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the club head design does not account for environmental factors, then the design process is simpler, but the performance under varying environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The weighting system allows adjustment of the center of gravity position and weight distribution parameters based on environmental conditions. Different weight configurations can be selected to compensate for variations in temperature, humidity, or altitude effects on ball flight, enabling the club to maintain optimal performance across different environments without requiring a completely redesign for each condition
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
This solution improves the club's playability by allowing for precise adjustment of the center of gravity, enhancing ball flight distance, accuracy, and spin control, accommodating various golfer styles and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a friction member configured to reside between the insert locking member and the body when the insert locking member is installed in the body and provide a level of friction between the insert locking member and the body, preventing the insert locking member from inadvertently loosening
Data Source
AI summary
A golf club head comprising a body, wherein the body comprises a cavity, wherein the cavity comprises an open end and a terminal end, the terminal end opposite the open end, an elongate weighted insert configured to reside in the cavity, the weighted insert having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the weighted insert through the open end, a head locking feature located at the open end of the cavity, an insert locking member comprising an insert locking feature configured to engage the head locking feature and lock the weighted insert in the cavity, a second head locking feature located at the open end of the cavity, wherein the insert locking member comprises a second insert locking feature configured to engage the second head locking feature and lock the weighted insert in the cavity.