Golf Club Head Alignment Line for Consistent Face Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf club manufacturing methods lead to variability in alignment features, resulting in inconsistent performance due to imprecise application of masking stickers, which affects the alignment and spin characteristics of the golf club head.
Innovation Solution
The golf club head features a primary alignment line delineating the transition between contrasting shades or colors on the crown and face, with optional secondary alignment lines and electronic displays for improved alignment, along with discretionary mass positioning to enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If masking stickers are used to guide painting of alignment features, then alignment features can be applied to the club head, but the positioning precision and consistency of alignment features deteriorate due to difficulty in affixing and aligning masks consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies alignment features directly to the club head surface before painting or molding operations, ensuring precise positioning is established in advance. This preliminary marking step eliminates the need for separate masking operations and ensures consistent alignment feature locations across all club heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical masking system (stickers, tapes, physical guides) with a digital/impression-based system where alignment features are transferred or printed directly onto the club head surface. This substitution eliminates the variability inherent in manual mask application while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Ease of manufacture
If alignment features are painted manually with masking guides, then alignment features can be created on the club head, but variability in alignment feature shape and angle increases due to imprecise masking application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a master template or digital model to copy the exact alignment feature design onto each club head. This copying process ensures that every alignment feature has the precise same shape, size, and angle, eliminating the variability that occurs with manual painting and masking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from manual parameter control (worker skill in applying masks) to machine-controlled or template-controlled parameters. The alignment feature geometry is defined by fixed parameters in a digital model or physical template, ensuring consistent reproduction across all club heads.
3Ease of manufacture
If masking stickers are applied to define alignment features, then alignment features can be produced, but production time and complexity increase due to multiple steps of mask application and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment feature creation step with the existing painting or molding process. Instead of separate mask application and removal steps, the alignment features are integrated into the single manufacturing operation that applies the club head finish, reducing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the masking step entirely from the manufacturing process. By using direct impression, printing, or transfer methods, the alignment features are created without requiring mask materials, application steps, or removal operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf club having a face alignment feature located on the face.