Golf Grip Alignment Using Camera Feedback for Consistent Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing golf grip installation methods rely on human skill and experience, leading to alignment errors and inconsistencies across a set of golf clubs, which can affect shot performance.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a jig, camera, and processor to accurately align a golf grip with respect to the club's leading edge, utilizing alignment indicators and machine learning algorithms for precise grip positioning and installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visual alignment by eye is used, then the method is simple and quick, but alignment precision deteriorates due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual alignment method (human eye alignment) with an optical measurement system (camera-based imaging system). The system uses a camera to capture images of alignment indicators on the grip and club, and a processor to automatically determine alignment accuracy, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated image analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If alignment is made by eye, then the process is fast, but repeatability across multiple clubs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment repeatabilityVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service alignment verification where the camera automatically captures images of the alignment indicators, and the processor autonomously analyzes the images to determine alignment accuracy. This automated self-verification process ensures consistent repeatability across multiple clubs without requiring expert intervention, while the quick imaging process maintains efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If no alignment verification is provided, then the system is simple, but alignment accuracy cannot be confirmed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment verification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera captures images of alignment indicators, the processor analyzes the images to determine alignment accuracy, and this information is fed back to confirm whether the grip is properly aligned. This closed-loop feedback system provides objective verification of alignment accuracy while using straightforward imaging and processing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4380701B1Sports equipment grip installation system and method
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • EP4380701B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4380701B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4380701B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One of the most important factors affecting performance in golf is the golfer's grip on their golf club. Minor changes in grip can have a significant impact on the outcome of a golf shot. To improve the ease of grip alignment, it is known for a golf grip to be provided with a visual or physical indicator that a golfer may use as a reference when aligning their grip. However, for the visual or physical indicator to be useful, the indicator must be correctly aligned with respect to the leading edge of the golf club. The present disclosure provides a grip installation system (10) and method. The system (10) includes a jig (20), a clamp (30) configured to retain and support a golf club (40) on the jig (20), and an alignment device (50). The alignment device (50) includes a camera (60), a position sensor (70), a processor (80) and a feedback device (90). The processor (80) is configured to carry out a method (100, 200, 300, 400) to accurately and reliably install a golf grip on the golf club (40).