Golf Club Head Weight Channel for Adjustable CG and MOI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf club heads face challenges in optimizing structural mass distribution, center of gravity, and moment of inertia, leading to suboptimal performance in forgiveness, ball speed, and adjustability, while maintaining durability and adhering to USGA regulations.
Innovation Solution
The golf club heads incorporate a weight channel with an adjustable weight member that can be positioned along a path to adjust mass properties, a front channel for increased perimeter flexibility, and a bi-level sole construction for improved discretionary mass distribution, enhancing moments of inertia and center of gravity positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If graphite composite material is used to reduce structural mass, then discretionary mass for optimization increases, but structural strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials, specifically graphite/epoxy-composite, to replace traditional titanium alloy components. This composite material provides a favorable strength-to-weight ratio, enabling mass reduction while maintaining structural integrity. The composite construction allows discretionary mass to be redistributed to optimize center of gravity and moment of inertia without compromising durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials to different portions of the club head based on local requirements. Titanium alloy is used in high-stress structural areas requiring strength, while graphite composite is used in areas where mass reduction is prioritized. This localized material selection optimizes both structural strength and discretionary mass distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If weight members are made adjustable to optimize center of gravity and moment of inertia, then performance customization improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable weight members that can be repositioned along designated paths within the club head. This dynamic adjustment capability allows users to customize the center of gravity and moment of inertia based on performance preferences. The weights can be moved between multiple discrete positions, providing adaptability without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The club head is segmented into functional components, including separate adjustable weight members that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each weight to be optimized for specific performance characteristics, and the modular design simplifies the adjustment mechanism compared to a fully integrated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thicker and thinner regions of materials are used to optimize mass distribution, then center of gravity and moment of inertia improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements varying material thicknesses in different regions of the club head to optimize mass distribution. Thinner regions are used where mass reduction is beneficial for achieving desired center of gravity positioning, while thicker regions provide structural support and mass where needed. This localized thickness variation is achieved through precision molding and forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite materials with consistent fiber reinforcement and resin distribution enables precise control over thickness variations. The composite construction allows for engineered thickness profiles that optimize mass distribution while maintaining structural integrity, with thickness variations controlled through manufacturing process precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed golf club heads include a weight channel positioned in the sole and defining a path along the sole. A weight member positioned in the weight channel can be adjusted to any of a range of selectable positions to adjust mass properties of the golf club head. A fastener secures the weight member in any of the selectable positions, while the fastener itself, regardless of where the weight member is positioned along the path, is secured to the body at a fixed location that is independent of the position of the weight member along the path. Part of the weight channel and weight member can be covered by an overhanging portion of the sole, which can form a sit pad. The overhanging portion can be part of a composite sole insert.