Golf Club Grip Installation With Optical Alignment Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fitting golf grips are prone to human error, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate alignment across a set of golf clubs, which can affect shot shape and outcome.
Innovation Solution
A sports equipment grip installation system that includes a jig with a clamp to hold the golf club and an alignment device with a camera, position sensor, and processor to accurately align the grip with respect to the club head, ensuring precise positioning of the alignment indicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual alignment by eye is used, then the method is simple and quick, but alignment precision deteriorates due to human error
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 and shafts, then uses image processing algorithms to automatically determine alignment angles, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the physical alignment scenario. Instead of directly measuring physical positions with human eyes, the system captures images of the alignment indicators and shafts, then processes these digital copies to determine alignment. This allows for precise measurement without direct human intervention in the measurement process.
2Productivity
If manual alignment is performed, then the process is fast, but consistency across multiple clubs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system captures images of the alignment indicators, processes them to determine actual alignment angles, compares these angles against target values, and provides feedback (visual or automated adjustment) to achieve correct alignment. This closed-loop approach ensures both speed and consistency across multiple clubs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically capturing images, processing them to determine alignment status, and indicating whether adjustment is needed. The alignment indicator itself serves as the reference, and the system automatically determines its alignment with the shaft without requiring external measurement tools or subjective human judgment.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to grips, then grip alignment ease improves, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to indicator misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual indicator system with an optical measurement system. Instead of relying on physical indicators that must be precisely manufactured and aligned, the system uses a camera to capture images of the indicators and shafts, then uses image processing to determine alignment. This eliminates the need for precise mechanical indicator alignment while maintaining ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
The golfer's grip on their golf club affects performance. Minor changes in grip can have a significant impact on the outcome of a golf shot. To improve 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. For the visual or physical indicator to be useful, it must be correctly aligned with the leading edge of the golf club. The present disclosure provides a grip installation system and method. The system includes a jig, a clamp configured to retain and support a golf club on the jig, and an alignment device. The alignment device includes a camera, a position sensor, a processor and a feedback device. The processor is configured to carry out a method to accurately and reliably install a golf grip on the golf club.