Golf Club Selection Using Flex Point Rate and Face Angle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for selecting a golf club based on physical properties of the shaft often fail to provide a club that is adequately fitted to the individual golfer, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of flight distance and direction.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a reference golf club, where the golfer's behavior is measured, and a recommended range of shaft properties is determined, allowing for the selection of a club with appropriate flex point rate and face angle, which is then tested for fit based on the golf ball's flight direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods for selecting a golf club are used, then the selection process is simple, but the club may not be adequately fitted to the individual golfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the golfer hit a reference golf club before selecting their actual club. This preliminary swing provides measurement data on the golfer's swing characteristics, which is then used to determine the optimal shaft flex point rate range for the selected club, ensuring a better fit before the final club selection is made
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the golfer's swing behavior with the reference club and using this measurement data to adjust and determine the recommended shaft flex point rate range. This feedback loop ensures that the club selection is based on actual measured swing characteristics rather than generic guidelines, improving fitting accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed shaft flex point rate is used in golf clubs, then manufacturing is simplified, but the club cannot be optimized for different golfer swing characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by determining a recommended range of shaft flex point rates based on the golfer's measured swing characteristics rather than using a fixed value. The linear expression calculates an optimal flex point rate within a range (e.g., 45-55%), allowing the shaft parameters to be adjusted according to individual golfer needs while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized range specifications
3Measurement precision
If multiple physical properties of the shaft are considered, then the selection accuracy improves, but the complexity of determining the recommended club increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the complex selection process into distinct steps: first measuring swing behavior with a reference club, then using a linear expression to calculate the recommended shaft flex point rate range based on specific swing parameters, and finally selecting a club that matches these calculated parameters. This segmented approach breaks down the complexity into manageable, sequential operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a linear expression as an intermediary tool that translates measured swing characteristics into a recommended shaft flex point rate range. This mathematical intermediary simplifies the relationship between multiple physical properties and the final club selection, providing a systematic method to process multiple parameters without excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of golf clubs having mutually different flex point rates of a shaft is prepared. A subject hits a golf ball with one reference club included in the golf clubs. A face angle of the golf club immediately before hitting is measured by an apparatus 10. A recommended flex point rate P is calculated by substituting, into the following mathematical expression, the face angle Q and the flex point rate R of the reference club:P=0.8648·Q+R−5.033A golf club having a shaft whose difference between the flex point rate and the recommended flex point rate P is within a predetermined range is selected as a recommended club. The subject hits a golf ball with the recommended club. The apparatus 10 measures a speed, a launch angle, a backspin speed, a sidespin speed, and a deflection angle of the golf ball.