Multi-sectional Co-cured Golf Shaft for Torsional Stability

Solution Overview

Problem

Golf shafts either lack the torsional stability and accuracy of steel shafts or suffer from the weight and feel issues associated with graphite shafts, necessitating a solution that balances stability, weight, and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A golf shaft composed of a first composite material tubular portion and a second metallic material tubular portion, where the composite material is co-cured with the metallic material to form a secure connection, providing a balanced weight distribution and enhanced torsional stability without the drawbacks of single-material shafts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If steel shafts are used, then torsional stability and accuracy are improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorsional stabilityVSAvoidshaft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is divided into two distinct sections: a first section made of graphite composite material and a second section made of steel material. This segmentation allows each section to contribute its advantageous properties - the graphite section provides weight reduction while the steel section provides torsional stability, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft employs a composite construction combining graphite composite material and steel material in a single unified structure. The graphite portion reduces overall weight while the steel portion maintains torsional stability, creating a composite shaft that achieves both weight reduction and stability without compromising either property.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Weight of moving object

If graphite shafts are used, then weight is reduced, but torsional stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft weightVSAvoidtorsional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is divided into two distinct sections: a first section made of graphite composite material and a second section made of steel material. This segmentation allows each section to contribute its advantageous properties - the graphite section provides weight reduction while the steel section provides torsional stability, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft employs a composite construction combining graphite composite material and steel material in a single unified structure. The graphite portion reduces overall weight while the steel portion maintains torsional stability, creating a composite shaft that achieves both weight reduction and stability without compromising either property.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If steel shafts are used, then accuracy and control are improved, but comfort deteriorates due to excessive vibration transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccuracyVSAvoidvibration transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is divided into two distinct sections: a first section made of graphite composite material and a second section made of steel material. This segmentation allows each section to contribute its advantageous properties - the graphite section provides weight reduction while the steel section provides torsional stability, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft employs a composite construction combining graphite composite material and steel material in a single unified structure. The graphite portion reduces overall weight while the steel portion maintains torsional stability, creating a composite shaft that achieves both weight reduction and stability without compromising either property.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 shaft achieves comparable torsional stability and accuracy to steel shafts while reducing weight, offering improved feel and control, allowing for increased clubhead speed and reduced fatigue, thus enhancing overall golfing performance.

Implementation Method 1

the composite material is co-cured with the metallic material to form a secure connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCo-curing:

Data Source

PatentUS8157669B2Multi-sectional co-cured golf shaft

Publication Date: 2012.04.17 WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO(US)

AI summary

A shaft for a golf club having a total length and a total weight. The shaft includes first and second tubular portions. The first and second tubular portions are formed of first and second materials, respectively. The second tubular portion has a proximal end and a tip end. The tip end has an outside diameter of less than 0.400 inches. The distal end of the first tubular portion is co-cured to the proximal end of the second tubular portion. The shaft has a resistance to twisting about a longitudinal axis of the shaft, when tested under a torsional stability test and measured at an approximate midpoint of the total length of the shaft, of less than 2.0 degrees in a torsional stability test. The shaft when measured from the tip end of the shaft in a balance point test device has a balance point of less than 46 percent.