Golf Club Face Thickness Optimization via Adaptive Simulated Annealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf club head designs with variable face thickness patterns lack an efficient method for optimization and manufacturing, failing to maximize the coefficient of restitution (COR) while conforming to regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A computer-optimized method using radial basis functions (RBF) generated from finite element analysis (FEA) and an Adaptive Simulated Annealing algorithm to create optimized variable face thickness patterns for golf club heads, ensuring compliance with USGA and R&A regulations and maximizing ball speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If variable face thickness patterns are implemented in golf club heads, then the coefficient of restitution (COR) increases, but the design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the face thickness parameters across different regions of the club face. The optimization process adjusts thickness values at multiple discrete points to achieve the desired COR performance while maintaining manufacturability. This is evident in the computer-optimized thickness values provided for various face locations, which represent optimized parameters that balance performance and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different thickness characteristics to different regions of the club face. The face thickness is optimized independently at multiple locations (e.g., center, crown, heel, toe areas) to achieve local performance optimization. This allows the club face to have varying thickness profiles in different zones, maximizing COR where needed while maintaining structural integrity elsewhere.
2Manufacturing precision
If variable face thickness optimization is performed using traditional methods, then design accuracy improves, but computational time and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a comprehensive finite element model and defining all optimization constraints and objectives before the actual optimization process begins. The design space is pre-defined with specific thickness points and regulatory constraints, allowing the optimization algorithm to efficiently search for optimal solutions without repeated iterative modeling. This preparatory work significantly reduces computational time during the optimization phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital replica of the golf club head geometry and material properties in the finite element analysis software. This virtual model allows for rapid iteration and optimization without requiring physical prototypes or repeated manufacturing cycles. The optimized design can be copied and manufactured directly from the digital model, reducing both development time and physical testing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of optimizing golf club head and golf ball design is disclosed herein. The method includes inputting a RBF for stress, a RBF for CT and a RBF for ball speed into an Adaptive Simulated Annealing algorithm to generate an optimized structure for the club head for ball speed.