Flexible Golf Grip With Full Thickness Elastomeric Rib
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression molding processes for forming raised ribs on golf club grips are challenging to control, leading to distorted configurations and increased costs due to the need for precise placement and different material properties for the rib and grip body.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tubular grip design with an elastomeric insert extending through the full wall thickness, secured by a core bar and mold ridges, allowing for injection molding that bonds the insert to the grip material, forming a unitary grip with a pronounced rib for enhanced orientation and gripability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If compression molding is used to form exterior rib strip on grip body, then a raised rib can be formed on the grip exterior, but the positioning of rib material during molding is difficult to control causing distorted configuration and unacceptable appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The rib strip is pre-formed as a separate elastomeric component with precise geometry before being integrated into the grip. The pre-formed strip includes positioning features such as tabs that engage with corresponding features in the mold, ensuring accurate placement before the curing process begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates positioning errors that would occur if the rib were formed directly during compression molding.
Solution Approach 2:
A mold insert or positioning fixture acts as an intermediary between the rib strip and the mold cavity. This intermediary component holds the rib strip in the correct position and transfers it accurately to the final position in the cured grip. The intermediary ensures that the rib maintains its intended configuration without distortion during the molding process.
2Ease of operation
If exterior rib strip of different elastomer is added to grip body, then visual and tactile orientation is enhanced, but the process requires precise control of material placement and volume increasing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The grip is segmented into two distinct components: the main grip body and the exterior rib strip. The rib strip is manufactured as a separate elastomeric component with optimized geometry and material properties for enhanced orientation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the assembly process, reducing the complexity of material placement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib strip uses a different elastomer formulation with optimized durometer and viscosity characteristics compared to the grip body. This parameter change in material properties allows the rib to maintain its shape and provide tactile feedback while being easier to position accurately during molding. The differentiated material properties simplify process control by providing natural material behavior that resists displacement.
3Reliability
If compression molding with elevated temperatures and pressures is used, then simultaneous curing of rib strip and grip body occurs, but the conditions displace the exterior rib strip causing positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The rib strip is pre-positioned in the mold with mechanical constraints such as tabs, slots, or positioning fixtures that hold it firmly in place before curing begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that even when elevated temperatures and pressures are applied during curing, the rib strip cannot be displaced. The positioning features are designed to withstand the curing conditions while maintaining precise rib placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold design includes compensation features such as flexible positioning elements or stress-distributing structures that cushion against the forces generated during curing. These beforehand cushioning elements absorb the thermal and pressure stresses that would otherwise displace the rib strip, allowing reliable curing while maintaining positioning precision.
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 results in a more cost-effective and simpler manufacturing process for golf club grips with a more pronounced rib, maintaining the required appearance and gripability standards while ensuring the rib's position and texture are consistent, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
injection sprues located and oriented to direct the flow of elastomeric material injected into the mold to fill the molding cavity
Implementation Method 2
the injected elastomer is bonded to the sides of the insert during molding, thus forming an integral unitary flexible grip
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A flexible elastomeric grip for a golf club has an elastomeric insert extending fully through the wall of the tubular grip and exposed on its exterior surface. The insert is comprised of a material having greater stiffness than the body material for enhancing gripability.