Golf Club Face Deflection Control via Support Tabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional golf club heads with hollow iron designs result in inconsistent ball flight distances and launch velocities due to asymmetric face deflection patterns, particularly when struck off-center, leading to significant variations in performance across the striking face.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating face support elements such as ribs or cantilevered face support tabs that extend from the club head perimeter to the striking face, altering the deflection pattern and creating a more symmetric face profile, which reduces deflection at the center of gravity and maintains launch velocity consistency across the striking face.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional hollow iron design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but face deflection becomes asymmetric causing inconsistent ball flight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveface deflection consistencyVSAvoidclub head structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The club head is segmented into multiple functional zones by adding face support elements (ribs or cantilevered tabs) that divide the striking face into distinct regions with controlled deflection characteristics. These segments create predictable deflection patterns that improve consistency across different impact locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Face support elements are strategically positioned at specific locations on the striking face to provide localized reinforcement. The cantilevered tabs or ribs are placed to control deflection in specific areas, creating non-uniform structural properties that optimize performance across the face while maintaining overall design simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If face support elements are added to control deflection, then launch velocity consistency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch velocity consistencyVSAvoidclub head assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The face support elements are integrated with the club head perimeter structure, combining multiple functions into a unified assembly. The cantilevered tabs are attached to the perimeter and extend toward the face, merging the support function with the existing structural framework to reduce the number of separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The face support elements act as intermediary structures between the club head perimeter and the striking face. These elements mediate the force transmission and deflection control, providing a buffer that simplifies the connection between the perimeter structure and the face while achieving precise deflection management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If cantilevered tabs are used instead of secured tabs, then face flexibility is maintained, but structural support is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveface support stiffnessVSAvoidface deflection pattern

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cantilevered tabs are designed with specific dimensional ratios and material properties that allow them to exhibit controlled flexibility. The tabs can deflect dynamically in response to impact forces while returning to their original position, providing both support and flexibility through their dynamic response rather than rigid constraint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The structural properties of the cantilevered tabs are optimized by adjusting parameters such as thickness, length, and attachment geometry. These parameter changes allow the tabs to provide adequate structural support while maintaining the flexibility needed for consistent face deflection patterns across different impact locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 achieves consistent ball flight distances and improved launch velocity retention by reducing deflection at the center of gravity and maintaining velocity across the striking face, thereby enhancing distance control and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

each of the plurality of cantilevered face support tabs is pre-loaded such that each of the plurality of cantilevered face support tabs applies pressure against the rear surface of the striking face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10150019B2Striking face deflection structures in a golf club

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

A golf club head including a plurality of face support tabs that are attached to an interior surface of the perimeter of a golf club head. The face support tabs are in contact with a rear surface of a striking face and, in some examples, are fastened to the rear surface of the striking face. Where the face support tabs are fastened to the rear surface of the striking face, the edges of the striking face are not directly fastened to the perimeter of the golf club head. Where the face support tabs are not secured to the rear surface of the striking face, the striking face is fastened to the perimeter of the club head body and the face support tabs are preloaded so as to exert a force against the rear surface of the striking face even when the striking face is in a neutral position.