Golf Club Head Alignment Features for Consistent Shot Spin

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current golf club manufacturing methods lead to variability in alignment features, affecting performance consistency due to imprecise application of masking stickers, resulting in inconsistent alignment and spin characteristics.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of precise alignment features using orthogonal axes and contrasting shades or colors on the golf club head, including primary and secondary alignment features, electronic displays, and dielectric coatings to enhance alignment accuracy and consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If masking stickers are used to guide painting of alignment features, then the alignment feature can be applied, but the positioning precision and consistency vary between club heads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment feature consistencyVSAvoidmasking sticker application difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The club head body itself provides the alignment reference through molded-in features (protrusions, recesses, or integral structures) that automatically guide the positioning of alignment features without requiring external masking stickers or guides. The alignment feature is applied relative to these self-provided reference features, ensuring consistent positioning across all club heads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment reference features are integrated into the club head body structure itself rather than being separate external elements. The protrusions, recesses, or molded features are formed as part of the club head manufacturing process, merging the reference system with the club head body to eliminate variability in positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If alignment features are painted using manual masking methods, then alignment features can be created, but variability in shape and angle occurs between club heads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance consistencyVSAvoidalignment feature shape and angle accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The club head body provides self-contained alignment reference features (protrusions, recesses, or molded structures) that define the exact shape and angle of alignment features. These reference features are integral to the club head design and ensure that all alignment features are manufactured with identical geometry and orientation, eliminating variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment reference features are designed with specific geometric parameters (angles, positions, dimensions) that are precisely controlled during club head manufacturing. By defining these parameters in the club head body design, the alignment features automatically inherit consistent shape and angle characteristics across all produced clubs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If masking stickers are used for alignment feature application, then painting guidance is provided, but the method is time-consuming and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidalignment feature positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The club head body contains built-in alignment reference features that are automatically visible and accessible during the painting process. Workers can directly use these molded-in protrusions, recesses, or structures as guides without needing to apply masking stickers, significantly reducing preparation time while maintaining consistent alignment feature positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment reference features are pre-formed as integral parts of the club head body during the molding or manufacturing process. This preliminary creation of reference features eliminates the need for subsequent masking and positioning steps, allowing alignment features to be applied quickly and accurately in a single operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260000946A1Golf club heads
Publication Date: 2026.01.01 TAYLOR MADE GOLF CO INC
  • US20260000946A1 patent drawing
  • US20260000946A1 patent drawing
  • US20260000946A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A golf club head having a nonmetallic crown bonded to a frame in close proximity to the face.