Golf Shaft Stiffness Measurement Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring bending and torsional stiffness of golf shafts are limited, as they do not accurately represent stiffness across the entire shaft, making it difficult to tune the shaft for individual player needs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving empirical data collection, specification code generation, and player feedback analysis to select a golf shaft with tailored bending and torsional stiffness profiles, allowing for precise matching of shaft characteristics to a player's preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vibration frequency measurements are performed by clamping the shaft only at the butt end, then the measurement process is simple, but the bending stiffness measurement does not accurately represent the bending stiffness across the entire shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple measurement sections (first section near butt end, second section near tip end, and intermediate sections). Multiple measurement devices are positioned at different locations along the shaft to measure bending stiffness at each section independently, providing comprehensive coverage rather than a single overall measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from a single-point measurement (clamping at one location) to multi-point measurements distributed along the length of the shaft. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions allows capture of varying stiffness characteristics at different locations.
2Device complexity
If cantilever displacement measurements are taken only at the butt and tip sections, then the measurement process is simplified, but limited bending stiffness data is provided to the golfer
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft measurement is segmented into multiple discrete sections along its length. Each section has its own measurement device that independently measures bending stiffness, allowing collection of detailed localized data rather than just overall shaft characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple intermediate measurement devices are introduced between the butt end and tip end measurements. These intermediary devices capture bending stiffness data from intermediate sections of the shaft, providing a more complete picture of stiffness variation along the shaft length.
3Productivity
If overall torsional stiffness is measured under applied torque, then a single torsional stiffness value is obtained, but varying localized torsional stiffness values across the shaft are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The torsional stiffness measurement is segmented into multiple localized measurements around the shaft circumference and at different axial positions. Multiple transducers are positioned at different angular locations and radial distances to capture torsional deformation characteristics at each specific location independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to detect local torsional stiffness variations at different positions around the shaft. Each measurement location provides quality-specific data about torsional properties at that particular spot, allowing identification of localized stiffness characteristics rather than averaging across the entire shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of selecting a preferred golf shaft for a player who uses an existing golf shaft, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may comprise gathering a plurality of empirical data sets, each data set corresponding to an individual golf shaft selected from a plurality of golf shafts; providing a plurality of specification codes, each associated with an individual empirical data set of the plurality of empirical data sets; from the plurality of specification codes, identifying a first specification code associated with the existing golf shaft; gathering feedback associated with the existing golf shaft from the player; and using the feedback to select, from the plurality of specification codes, a second specification code corresponding to the preferred golf shaft.