Custom Golf Club Fitting System for Optimal Gap Distances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current golf club fitting systems do not effectively determine optimal gap distances between clubs, leading to inconsistent shot coverage and performance, as they rely on manual methods and lack precise analysis of player-specific characteristics and ball flight data.

Innovation Solution

A custom golf club fitting system that uses an input device, tracking device, and processing device to collect and analyze player data, including physical and performance characteristics, to determine optimal gap distances between clubs through gapping analysis, providing uniform or non-uniform gap specifications based on ball flight information and player preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual fitting methods are used, then the fitting process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and manufacturing precision of gap distances are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap distance measurement precisionVSAvoidfitting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated computer-based system that uses input devices, tracking devices, and processing devices to collect, store, and analyze player data and ball flight information to determine optimal gap distances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically processes player characteristics and ball flight data to self-determine optimal gap distances without requiring manual intervention in the analysis process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If automated analysis systems are implemented, then the manufacturing precision of gap distances is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap distance consistencyVSAvoidfitting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement and estimation with an automated computer system that processes digital data from tracking devices to calculate precise gap distances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses ball flight information and player performance data as feedback to iteratively determine and refine optimal gap distances, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive player data collection is performed, then the adaptability of club selection is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer-specific club customizationVSAvoidfitting process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system collects and stores player physical characteristics, performance data, and ball flight information in advance during the fitting process, so that this data can be automatically retrieved and processed later to determine club selections without repeating the data collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses automated computer processing to analyze stored player data and ball flight information, replacing manual analysis methods that would be time-consuming, thereby reducing the overall fitting time while maintaining comprehensive customization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9675862B2Methods, apparatus, and systems to custom fit golf clubs

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 KARSTEN MFG CORP

AI summary

Examples of methods, apparatus, and systems to custom fit golf clubs by providing gapping determination are generally described herein. Other examples may be described and claimed.