Golf Club Head Flexible Channel With Vibration Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf club manufacturers face challenges in improving one performance characteristic without negatively affecting others, as new technologies often require trade-offs in club head design.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a flexible channel and channel tuning system in golf club heads, along with an aerodynamic configuration and body tuning, to enhance sound, durability, ball speed, and playability while minimizing undesirable characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a flexible channel is incorporated to improve striking face flexibility and ball speed, then ball speed and forgiveness are improved, but undesirable club head characteristics such as sound and vibration are heightened
Solution Approach 1:
A channel tuning element is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible channel and the sole of the club head. This tuning element selectively adjusts the flexibility of the striking face by engaging with the flexible channel, thereby controlling the amplitude and frequency of vibrations generated during impact. The tuning element acts as a mediator that allows the flexible channel to provide ball speed enhancement while simultaneously reducing undesirable sound and vibration characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the physical properties of the channel tuning element, such as its material composition, thickness, and engagement depth with the flexible channel. By adjusting these parameters, the flexibility and vibration characteristics of the striking face can be optimized to achieve desired ball speed while minimizing harmful vibrations and sound.
2Reliability
If new technologies are incorporated to improve one performance characteristic, then that characteristic is improved, but other aspects of club head design must be changed which may reduce associated benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The channel tuning element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it adjusts the flexibility of the striking face, controls vibration characteristics, and can be integrated into the existing club head structure. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple performance aspects, reducing the need for additional separate components and thereby managing overall device complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible channel and tuning element are implemented in specific localized regions of the club head where they are most effective, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach allows the beneficial flexibility and vibration control to be concentrated where needed, while minimizing the impact on overall club head complexity and maintaining other design aspects.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf club head having a flexible channel to improve the performance of the club head, and a channel tuning system to reduce undesirable club head characteristics introduced, or heightened, via the flexible channel. The channel tuning system includes a sole engaging channel tuning element in contact with the sole and the channel. The club head may include an aerodynamic configuration, as well as a body tuning system.