Golf Club Shaft Connection Assembly Using Spring-Loaded Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting golf club shaft length are complex, require specialized tools and components, and often damage the original shaft and grip, making them inaccessible to average golfers without technical expertise or financial resources.
Innovation Solution
A golf club shaft connection assembly using male and female adaptors, a spring, and metal balls that allows quick and secure length adjustments without the need for tools or new components, maintaining the club's swing weight and feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional shaft adjustment methods are used, then shaft length can be modified, but the process becomes complex and requires specialized tools and components
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft system is divided into modular components: a base shaft with an internal cavity, removable extension shafts, and connection components (male/female adaptors). This segmentation allows individual parts to be easily exchanged without affecting the entire shaft assembly, enabling simple length adjustments through basic insertion and removal actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension shafts are designed to be inserted into and nested within the base shaft's internal cavity. The male adaptor fits inside the female adaptor, creating a telescoping structure. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage of multiple shaft lengths and enables quick adjustments by simply sliding extensions in and out of the base shaft.
2Ease of operation
If traditional shaft adjustment methods are used, then shaft length can be modified, but it requires expensive new components and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The base shaft with its internal cavity and the standardized adaptors serve multiple functions: they can accommodate different extension shafts of varying lengths, work with various shaft diameters through the adjustable adaptor mechanism, and enable both length and weight adjustments using the same fundamental components. This universality eliminates the need for specialized tools and expensive component inventories.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system is designed to be self-sufficient, with all necessary components (male adaptor, female adaptor, extension shafts) integrated into a single kit that works with the base shaft. The spring-loaded retention mechanism automatically secures extensions without requiring additional tools or complex assembly procedures, making the system self-serviceable by average golfers.
3Ease of operation
If traditional shaft adjustment methods are used, then shaft length can be modified, but damage is caused to the original shaft and grip
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism extracts the modification process from destructive methods. Instead of cutting, peeling, or tearing the original shaft and grip, the system extracts length adjustments by inserting removable extension shafts into the base shaft's internal cavity. The male and female adaptors connect without requiring any modification to the original shaft structure, completely avoiding damage to the shaft and grip.
4Ease of operation
If traditional shaft adjustment methods are used, then shaft length can be modified, but advanced technical skills are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system employs a dynamic spring-loaded retention mechanism where the spring automatically engages and disengages the male and female adaptors. Users simply need to compress the spring to release the connection and release it to secure the connection, eliminating the need for complex fastening procedures or specialized technical knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female adaptors serve as intermediary components that mediate the connection between the base shaft and extension shafts. These adaptors translate simple insertion motions into secure mechanical connections through their keyed interiors and grooves, reducing the technical skill required by providing foolproof alignment and retention mechanisms that guide users through the adjustment process.
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
Enables golfers to easily and inexpensively modify their club length at any time, improving accuracy and distance without requiring advanced technical skills, and can be done without damaging the original shaft or grip.
Implementation Method 1
a spring comprising a second upper end and a second lower end... wherein the spring is coiled around the hollow extension such that the second lower end abuts the base portion and the second upper end abuts the lower surface of the internal flange
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of balls, wherein each of the plurality of balls is partially disposed within one of the plurality of circular through-bores above the upper surface of the internal flange
Data Source
AI summary
A golf club shaft connection assembly comprising first and second shaft sections, male and female adaptors, a hollow retainer, a spring, and a plurality of balls is disclosed herein. The male and female adaptors are each attached to the first and second shaft sections, respectively, preferably with a permanent adhesive. The male adaptor comprises a protrusion that fits within a keyed interior of the female adaptor, and moving the hollow retainer towards the male adaptor reversibly fixes the two adaptors together, while moving the hollow retainer towards the female adaptor allows the male adaptor to be removed from the female adaptor.