Composite Back Cap for Golf Iron Torsional Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf club heads lack optimal combinations of sound and mass properties, particularly in iron-type clubs, which affect the moment of inertia, center of gravity, and overall weight, leading to suboptimal performance and feel during impact.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a composite material with a 45-degree fiber orientation on the rear surface of the golf club head, including a composite back cap and flange, enhances torsional stiffness and sound quality by increasing the heel-toe twisting modal frequency and reducing amplitude upon impact, while maintaining key mass properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If composite material is added to enhance sound quality and torsional stiffness, then heel-toe twisting modal frequency increases and amplitude decreases, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials with 45-degree fiber orientation on the rear surface of the golf club head to enhance torsional stiffness and increase heel-toe twisting modal frequency. The composite material is integrated with the metal club head body, creating a hybrid structure that optimizes both sound quality and structural performance without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material is applied locally to specific regions of the club head (rear surface, back cap, flange areas) rather than the entire structure. This localized application targets the specific need for torsional stiffness enhancement while minimizing added complexity and weight
2Strength
If composite material is added to improve vibration properties and sound, then modal frequency increases and amplitude decreases, but weight of the golf club head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials that provide superior vibration damping and torsional stiffness per unit weight compared to traditional metal constructions. The 45-degree fiber orientation specifically targets vibration control while maintaining weight efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thickness and fiber orientation parameters of the composite material to achieve the desired vibration properties and modal frequency while controlling weight. The composite material thickness is carefully selected to balance vibration performance with weight constraints
3Strength
If composite material is integrated on the rear surface to enhance sound and mass properties, then heel-toe twisting modal frequency increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates composite material layers with specific fiber orientations (45 degrees) on the rear surface of the club head. This integration requires precise alignment and bonding processes to ensure the composite material effectively enhances heel-toe twisting modal frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material is applied to specific regions (rear surface, back cap, flange) where torsional stiffness is most needed. This localized approach concentrates manufacturing precision requirements on critical areas rather than the entire club head
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 approach results in a more solid sound and feel at impact, improved vibration properties, and enhanced mass distribution without adversely affecting the center of gravity or overall weight, leading to improved performance in iron-type golf clubs.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of a composite material with a 45-degree fiber orientation on the rear surface of the golf club head, including a composite back cap and flange, enhances torsional stiffness
Implementation Method 2
increasing the heel-toe twisting modal frequency and decreasing its amplitude upon impact with a ball. Reducing the amplitude will result in a more solid sound and feel at impact
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an iron-type golf club head formed from multiple materials that increase torsional stiffness of the club and aid in sound performance. In particular, the iron-type golf club head includes a body having top, sole, heel, toe, and face portions, a rear cavity, and a rear flange extending upwards from the sole portion, and a composite cap comprising a plurality of ribs covering the rear cavity and forming an internal cavity. The ribs can extend from an interior surface to an exterior surface of the composite cap, and in one embodiment, at least one of the ribs extends along an interior surface of the composite cap and hooks over the rear flange.