Golf Grip Vibration Transmission via Density Layering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current golf club grips, particularly those designed for putters, inadequately transmit vibrations to the golfer's hands, leading to a diminished feel and reduced ability to assess the impact quality, which affects the golfer's performance and enjoyment.

Innovation Solution

A grip with enhanced vibration transmission is achieved through unique density relationships within its layers, formed via a compression molding process using rubber compounds with varying quantities of blowing agents, and a tip-to-shaft connector with a density selected to promote vibration transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a light weight foam material (EVA foam) is used for the inner structure of the grip, then the overall material density is reduced, but vibration transmission to the golfer's hands is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip weightVSAvoidvibration feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The grip is constructed with multiple layers having different material properties: a dense outer gripping layer for hand contact and an inner foam layer for weight reduction. The outer layer specifically maintains high density to ensure vibration transmission to the golfer's hands while the inner foam provides lightweight structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The grip combines different materials with complementary properties: an outer layer made from dense rubber or polyurethane for vibration transmission and durability, and an inner layer made from lightweight EVA foam for weight reduction. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between light weight and vibration feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a felt material with polyurethane coating is used for the gripping layer, then the outer layer becomes smoother and more durable, but vibration transmission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip durabilityVSAvoidimpact feel
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping layer is designed with specific material properties optimized for vibration transmission. Rather than using felt with polyurethane coating, the patent specifies using dense rubber or polyurethane materials that naturally transmit vibrations effectively while providing the required durability for extended use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the grip structure is designed to reduce vibration transmission, then the golfer feels less vibration, but the tactile feedback and impact feel are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration reductionVSAvoidimpact assessment feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The grip structure is designed with an outer layer specifically optimized for vibration transmission to the golfer's hands. This outer layer maintains high density and appropriate material properties to ensure that impact vibrations are transmitted effectively, providing the golfer with tactile feedback for impact assessment while still offering some vibration dampening for comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 significantly improves vibration transmission to the golfer's hands, providing a more accurate tactile feedback and enhancing the overall feel of the golf club impact, as demonstrated by test data showing a 49% higher energy transmission and 28% less deviation in putting strokes compared to competitor products.

Implementation Method 1

The individual layers are positioned in a compression mold and vulcanized at a temperature of at least 120° C. to join the layers together into the tubular form of the finished grip.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVulcanization:

Implementation Method 2

Each layer may contain a different quantity of a blowing agent to achieve the desired densities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoam expansion: Foam

Data Source

PatentUS11311784B2Golf grip
Publication Date: 2022.04.26 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • US11311784B2 patent drawing
  • US11311784B2 patent drawing
  • US11311784B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A golf grip composed of multiple rubber compounds producing desirable properties within the golf grip.