Golf Club Head CG Optimization via Sole Mass Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fairway woods and hybrids in golf clubs face challenges in achieving a low center of gravity (CG) without compromising traditional external dimensions or aesthetics, as existing methods like reducing peak crown height or using dissimilar materials are either aesthetically undesirable or costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A golf club head with a steel construction featuring a specific design and material distribution, including a variable face thickness profile, a crown biased thickened central portion, and a sole return, which maintains traditional dimensions while strategically locating the CG low within the club head, achieved through a combination of steel alloy components and weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the peak crown height of the golf club is reduced to lower the CG, then the center of gravity is lowered, but the golf club head becomes smaller volumetrically and less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating mass in specific regions of the club head rather than uniformly distributing it. The sole structure includes variable thickness regions and optional weight pockets that locally increase density at the bottom of the club head, thereby lowering the CG without reducing the overall crown height or visual appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the mass distribution strategy from vertical dimension (reducing crown height) to horizontal and depth dimensions. By creating a complex sole structure with variable thickness across the sole surface and optional weight pockets in specific locations, the design lowers the CG through strategic mass placement in the horizontal plane rather than compressing the vertical dimension.
2Weight of moving object
If the striking face height is reduced to lower the CG, then the center of gravity is lowered, but the striking face becomes smaller and more difficult to hit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains full striking face height while lowering the CG by implementing local mass concentration in the sole region. The variable thickness sole design and optional weight pockets create localized density increases at the bottom of the club head, achieving CG reduction without compromising the vertical dimension of the striking face.
3Weight of moving object
If dissimilar materials are used in the crown to manipulate the CG, then the center of gravity can be adjusted, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs homogeneity by using substantially the same material throughout the club head, including the sole structure. This eliminates the need for joining dissimilar materials while achieving CG control through geometric design. The entire club head can be manufactured as a single piece or with compatible materials that simplify the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves CG manipulation through parameter changes in the sole geometry rather than material changes. By varying the thickness of the sole in different regions and creating optional weight pockets, the design adjusts mass distribution and CG location while maintaining material consistency throughout the club head.
4Weight of moving object
If the crown thickness is reduced to lower the CG, then the center of gravity is lowered, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating mass reduction in the sole region rather than the crown. The variable thickness sole design removes material from the bottom of the club head where it has minimal impact on structural integrity, while the crown maintains sufficient thickness and strength. Optional weight pockets in the sole further adjust CG without affecting crown strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf club head that is capable of improving the center of gravity (CG) location while maintaining traditional external dimensions of the golf club head is disclosed herein. Additionally, the golf club head with improved CG location may also have an improved striking face design that shifts the placement of the thickened central portion away from the center of the face.