Customizable Golf Grip with Moldable Middle Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grips on implements like baseball bats and golf clubs often slip or change position during use, leading to undesirable swing outcomes due to a lack of customization to fit the user's hand shape and size.
Innovation Solution
A customizable grip apparatus comprising a base layer, a middle layer with a moldable material that contours to the user's hand when pressure is applied and hardens in the compressed position, and an outer layer that can be removed to expose the middle layer to air, creating a personalized, non-slip grip with physical stops to prevent hand rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smooth, non-contoured grip surface is used, then the grip is simple and easy to manufacture, but the grip may slip out of position or the user may subconsciously shift to a less desirable hand position during swinging
Solution Approach 1:
The grip is pre-formed with contoured channels and ridges that guide and pre-position the user's hands in the correct grip position before the user even grasps the implement. This preliminary shaping prevents grip slippage and unwanted hand position shifts during the swing.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip features localized contoured channels and ridges at specific positions along the grip surface, rather than being uniformly complex throughout. This provides the necessary hand-positioning features only where needed, maintaining simplicity in other areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a customizable grip is implemented, then the grip position stability and user comfort are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The grip material is made moldable and contoured to automatically adapt to the user's hand shape and size when the user grasps the implement. The material self-adjusts to create a personalized fit without requiring custom manufacturing for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip material's physical properties are changed from a rigid state during manufacturing to a moldable state during use, allowing it to be shaped by the user's hand. This parameter change enables customization without complex manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If the grip material is made moldable and contoured to the user's hand, then the grip position stability is improved, but the material must undergo phase change or property transformation
Solution Approach 1:
The grip material undergoes a phase transition from a moldable, pliable state to a hardened, stable state. This allows the material to be easily shaped by the user's hand and then locked into that shape, providing consistent grip position without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
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 solution ensures a consistent grip position, accommodating hand variations and growths, enhancing user comfort and confidence, which improves swing consistency and quality by maintaining the correct grip throughout the swing.
Implementation Method 1
the middle layer comprises a moldable material configured to have a compressed position that is contoured to a portion of one or more hands of a user in response to an applied pressure, where the middle layer is configured to harden in the compressed position in the presence of air
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides example apparatus and methods for personalizing a grip of an implement. The apparatus includes: (a) a base layer having a first side and a second side, (b) a middle layer having a first side and a second side, where the first side of the middle layer is coupled to the second side of the base layer, where the middle layer comprises a moldable material configured to have a compressed position that is contoured to a portion of one or more hands of a user in response to an applied pressure, where the middle layer is configured to harden in the compressed position in the presence of air, and (c) an outer layer having a first side and a second side, where the first side of the outer layer is removably coupled to the second side of the middle layer.