Golf Club Head Face Thickness Layout for Ball Speed and MOI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf club heads face challenges in optimizing the center of gravity, moment of inertia, and face configuration to achieve desired trajectory and spin rates, particularly due to limitations in material selection and design.
Innovation Solution
The golf club heads are designed with integrated face portions and back grooves that enhance deflection and rebound, combined with strategic porting and mass distribution using materials like titanium-based and steel-based components to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple materials are used to manufacture golf club heads, then the center of gravity position and moment of inertia can be optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The golf club head employs a composite structure combining a titanium-based alloy body with a steel insert positioned in the cavity. This multi-material approach allows optimization of the center of gravity position and moment of inertia to control ball trajectory, while the integrated design maintains manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The steel insert is strategically positioned in specific regions of the cavity to locally adjust mass distribution. This allows precise control of the center of gravity position and moment of inertia characteristics without requiring the entire club head to be complex multi-material construction
2Speed
If the face portion is designed to enhance deflection and rebound, then ball speed increases, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The face portion is designed with optimized thickness parameters and curvature profiles to enhance deflection characteristics. By carefully controlling the face thickness distribution and radius of curvature, the design achieves increased ball speed through improved rebound while maintaining sufficient structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The face portion incorporates specific curvature radii (R1, R2, R3) to create an optimized spherical surface geometry. This curvature design enhances the trampoline effect for increased ball speed while the gradual transition of curved surfaces distributes stress to maintain structural integrity
3Reliability
If ports are added to the golf club head, then mass distribution can be optimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity is segmented by adding ports that allow the steel insert to be positioned in specific regions. This segmentation enables optimization of mass distribution and moment of inertia characteristics, with the ports serving as defined reference features that guide precise manufacturing operations
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
This design enhances ball speed and carry distance by improving the trampoline effect and moment of inertia, allowing for better control and performance optimization.
Implementation Method 1
The face portion (162) may include a first radius of curvature (R1) extending from the face groove (168) to the leading edge (194), a second radius of curvature (R2) extending from the face groove (168) to the trailing edge (196), and a third radius of curvature (R3) extending from the face groove (168) to a center portion (198)
Implementation Method 2
The interior cavity (210) may be filled with a filler material (612)
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of golf club heads, golf clubs, and methods to manufacture golf club heads and golf clubs are generally described herein. A face portion of a golf club head includes a maximum thickness portion including a maximum thickness of the face portion, a minimum thickness portion including a minimum thickness of the face portion, and a back side having first, second, third, and fourth quadrants. The portion of the maximum thickness portion in the first quadrant transitions to the minimum thickness portion along a thickness gradient extending between the maximum thickness portion of the first quadrant and the minimum thickness portion. The portion of the maximum thickness portion in the fourth quadrant transitions to the minimum thickness portion along a thickness gradient extending between the maximum thickness portion of the fourth quadrant and the minimum thickness portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.