Golf Club Face Tapering for Consistent Iron Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Iron-type golf clubs in a set produce varying ball flight distances and mis-hit characteristics due to differences in loft angles and mis-hit locations, leading to inconsistent performance and feel across different clubs.
Innovation Solution
The center of gravity of the club head is adjusted by varying the taper angle and mass distribution across the club face, with more mass distributed lower for long irons and higher for short irons, and using a combination of linear and non-linear taper angle progressions based on loft angles to achieve a 'matched' feel across the set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the center of gravity is adjusted by varying mass distribution and taper angle for each iron, then mis-hit forgiveness and feel consistency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the mass distribution and taper angle specifically in the club face region of each iron. Different irons in the set have different taper angles (e.g., 0° for 3-iron, 2° for 4-iron, 4° for 5-iron) and different mass distribution patterns, creating localized differences in the club head configuration that optimize performance for each specific club while maintaining overall set consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying the taper angle and mass distribution parameters across the iron set. Each iron has specific parameter values (taper angle, mass distribution pattern) that are adjusted to compensate for different mis-hit locations, transforming the general club head design into a customized configuration for each club while following a progressive pattern.
2Power
If progressive tapered face thicknesses are used across the iron set, then energy transfer and distance are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the iron set into distinct groups (long irons, mid irons, short irons) with progressively different taper angle ranges. Long irons use 0°-2° taper, mid irons use 2°-4° taper, and short irons use 4°-6° taper. This segmentation allows manufacturing precision to be managed in discrete steps rather than requiring continuous precision across the entire set, while still achieving progressive energy transfer improvement.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a golf club set with progressive tapered face thickness coordinated with club loft are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.