Golf Club Shaft Fitting Using Infrared Motion Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf club fitting methods are inefficient, inaccurate, and inconsistent, relying heavily on trial and error, as they fail to capture the dynamic behavioral characteristics of the golf club shaft during a golfer's swing, which are crucial for determining the optimal shaft fit.
Innovation Solution
The use of infrared motion capturing cameras to record location data of markers on a golf club as the golfer swings, allowing for the calculation of dynamic behavioral characteristics and comparison to static shaft characteristics to recommend the best performing shaft based on the golfer's unique swing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional trial and error fitting methods are used, then the fitting process can be completed with simple equipment, but the accuracy and consistency of shaft selection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical trial-and-error fitting methods with an optical measurement system using infrared motion capture cameras. The system captures three-dimensional motion data of the golf club shaft during swings and uses computer algorithms to analyze dynamic behavioral characteristics, substituting mechanical trial-and-error with optical-digital measurement and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared markers as intermediaries attached to the golf club shaft. These markers reflect infrared light from cameras, enabling precise tracking of shaft position and movement. The markers serve as mediators between the physical shaft and the digital measurement system, facilitating accurate data capture without directly interfering with shaft performance.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic behavioral characteristics are captured during swing, then shaft fitting accuracy improves, but the time required for fitting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs high-speed infrared cameras that capture motion data at multiple frames per second throughout the entire golf swing. This continuous capture ensures that all dynamic behavioral characteristics of the shaft are recorded without interruption, providing comprehensive data for accurate fitting while maintaining efficiency through automated analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital replica or model of the golf club shaft's dynamic behavior by capturing and storing three-dimensional motion data. This digital copy allows for repeated analysis without requiring additional physical testing, enabling precise shaft fitting recommendations to be generated efficiently from the stored behavioral data.
3Reliability
If multiple shaft characteristics are analyzed, then the quality of shaft selection improves, but the complexity of data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex analysis of shaft characteristics into distinct segments or components. The system separately analyzes different aspects such as shaft flex, torque, bend profile, and dynamic behavior at various points during the swing. This segmentation allows for systematic processing of multiple characteristics while maintaining manageable data processing complexity through structured analysis.
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 method provides a precise and efficient way to determine the optimal golf club shaft by capturing and analyzing the dynamic behavior of the shaft during a swing, leading to improved performance and consistency for each golfer.
Implementation Method 1
The use of infrared motion capturing cameras to record location data of markers on a golf club as the golfer swings
Data Source
AI summary
A method relating to an improved swing characteristic capturing system that can be used for a golf club shaft fitting system is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention utilizes specific data gathered from the golfer's golf swing itself to determine the best performing golf club shaft for this particular golf swing. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of cameras to record the location data of a plurality of markers located on a golf club shaft throughout a swing. The current inventive fitting methodology is preferred to the archaic fitting method of using data gathered from the result orientated ball flight data together with a tedious process of having to try numerous different shafts.