Fluted Putter Head Mass Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf club putter heads lack a design that stabilizes the roll of the golf ball toward the hole, provides a unique impact sound, and enhances feel, which are critical for consistent putting.
Innovation Solution
A golf club putter head with a fluted rear mass design that merges with the sole and dips below the sweet spot, lowering the center of gravity and controlling mass distribution between the heel and toe, thereby stabilizing the roll and improving sound and feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the rear mass is made large and heavy to increase stability, then the stability improves, but the ball roll becomes unstable and the head twists during the stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The rear mass is segmented into fluted sections that extend from the heel to the toe of the putter head. These flutes create distinct weight zones that prevent the mass from acting as a single rigid block, thereby reducing head twist during the putting stroke while maintaining overall stability
Solution Approach 2:
The fluted rear mass creates localized weight variations along the putter head, with heavier sections positioned to lower the center of gravity behind the sweet spot. This local weight distribution stabilizes the ball roll without causing excessive head twisting, as the weight is strategically placed rather than uniformly distributed
2Reliability
If the center of gravity is lowered to improve ball control, then the ball roll stability improves, but the head mass distribution becomes unbalanced causing twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The rear mass is divided into fluted sections that extend horizontally across the putter head, creating balanced weight distribution on both sides of the centerline. This segmentation allows the center of gravity to be lowered for improved ball control while preventing head twisting through symmetric mass placement
Solution Approach 2:
The fluted rear mass design creates an asymmetric distribution of weight within the overall symmetric structure. The flutes remove material in a pattern that lowers the center of gravity behind the sweet spot while maintaining balance, achieving both improved ball control and reduced head twist
3Weight of moving object
If a solid rear mass design is used to maximize weight, then the weight is maximized, but the ball roll becomes unstable and the impact sound is unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The rear mass is segmented into fluted sections that maintain substantial weight while creating a less dense, more distributed mass structure. This segmentation allows the putter to retain weight for stability while the fluted configuration prevents excessive head twist and promotes stable ball roll
Solution Approach 2:
The fluted rear mass creates a porous-like structure with voids between the flutes, reducing the overall density of the rear mass while maintaining sufficient weight. This structure allows the putter to achieve stable ball roll and pleasant impact sound without requiring a solid, heavy mass that would cause head twisting
Data Source
AI summary
A unique golf club putter head having a fluted rear mass design. This rear mass is shaped as a concave mass that merges with the sole of the blade and dips just below the sweet spot of the head at the center thereof. It lowers the center of gravity of the head along the sweet spot while also controlling the mass at heel and toe. Fluting the rear mass permits controlled variation in the distribution of the mass from heel-to-center-to-toe so that it doesn't overwhelm the ball-hitting surface and instead produces stable smooth roll.