Deformable Medium Golf Swing Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf swing analysis devices are costly, particularly for amateur golfers, due to the need for expensive radar and video monitoring systems, which are prohibitive for accurate and effective swing measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method using a deformable medium that changes configuration upon impact by the golf club, allowing for measurement of swing profile characteristics such as club head speed, angle of attack, and club face position, with optional sensors for data correlation, and a kit with a table to determine these characteristics based on deformation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar technology and Doppler effect are used to measure golf swing speed and position, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex radar and optical measurement systems with a simple mechanical deformable medium (foam block) that physically records club head impact. The deformable medium captures swing characteristics through material deformation, eliminating the need for expensive electronic sensors, radar transmitters, and complex data processing systems while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a low-cost, disposable deformable medium (foam block) that is replaced after each measurement session rather than using expensive, durable electronic equipment. This single-use approach dramatically reduces device cost while providing sufficient measurement precision for amateur golfers, as the foam block captures all necessary swing data through its deformation pattern.
2Measurement precision
If multiple video cameras are used to monitor golf swing from multiple angles, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple video cameras and optical measurement systems with a single deformable medium that physically records multi-dimensional swing characteristics through deformation. The foam block's three-dimensional deformation pattern captures club head position, angle, and force without requiring multiple viewing angles or complex optical setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable medium creates a physical copy or imprint of the club head's impact characteristics. The foam block deforms to replicate the exact shape, angle, and force of the club head at impact, providing a tangible record of swing parameters that eliminates the need for multiple camera angles and complex image analysis.
3Measurement precision
If launch monitors with radar technology are used, then swing analysis accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic launch monitors with radar and software processing with a simple mechanical foam block system. The deformable medium requires no power source, calibration, or technical setup - the golfer simply swings at the foam block, which automatically records all swing characteristics through physical deformation, making the system extremely easy to operate.
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
Provides an accurate and cost-effective means for amateur golfers to analyze their swing, enabling improvement in their game without the need for expensive equipment, by correlating deformation measurements to swing profile characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the medium having a predetermined compressive strength such that the medium will undergo plastic deformation when impacted by a golf club so as to result in a deformation
Implementation Method 2
obtaining a measurement that characterizes a change in shape between the first configuration and the second configuration
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a method for analyzing a golf swing, and an associated apparatus for use in the method. More specifically, this disclosure relates generally to a method of analyzing a golf swing by impacting a deformable medium with a golf club head. In the method, a club head impacts the deformable medium, causing the deformable medium to change shape. The change in shape may then be correlated to the value of a swing profile characteristic. Alternatively, the deformable medium may include a sensor, such that the sensor senses a measurement that is correlated to a value of a swing profile characteristic. Also disclosed are a deformable medium and a kit for use in the method.