Multi-Function Golf Club Shaft Test Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing golf club shafts are inefficient and risk damage due to the need for transportation and multiple test station visits, which are time-consuming and occupy significant space, making them unsuitable for travel or efficient testing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function test station with an elongated base, vertically adjustable towers, and sensors for detecting vibrations, torsion, and forces, allowing for comprehensive testing of golf club shafts in a compact and portable setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate test stations are used for different shaft tests, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but transportation time and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate test stations (bending test station, vibration test station, torsion test station, etc.) into a single integrated multi-function test station. The shaft can remain clamped in one location while different testing apparatus are brought to it, eliminating the need to transport the shaft between separate test stations and enabling comprehensive testing in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The test station is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple types of tests (bending, vibration, torsion, straightness, etc.) on a single shaft. The station includes multiple independently movable testing apparatus that can be positioned at different locations along the shaft, allowing one station to replace multiple specialized test stations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate test stations are used, then various shaft properties can be tested, but the equipment occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple testing functions that would traditionally require separate stationary test stations are merged into a single compact unit. The shared clamping mechanism and the ability to move different testing apparatus along rails reduce the total floor space required while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing apparatus are designed to be movable rather than stationary, allowing them to be repositioned along rails to test different portions of the shaft. This dynamic capability reduces the need for multiple fixed test stations and optimizes space utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is transported between test stations, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating all testing functions into one station, the shaft remains clamped in a single secure location throughout the entire testing process. Different testing apparatus are brought to the shaft rather than moving the shaft between stations, eliminating transportation risks while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate test stations are used, then various tests can be conducted, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple testing functions are integrated into a single station with a shared clamping mechanism. The shaft is clamped once and remains in place while different testing apparatus (bending, vibration, torsion, etc.) are sequentially brought to it, eliminating repeated clamping, unclamping, and transportation steps that reduce productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft remains continuously clamped and stationary throughout the entire testing process, allowing different tests to be performed sequentially without interruption. This continuous positioning eliminates the downtime associated with transporting and re-clamping the shaft between separate test stations.
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 efficient and comprehensive testing of golf club shafts, including stiffness, center of gravity, swing point, and other properties, in a compact and portable format, reducing the risk of damage and improving testing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration sensor on that axis detects shaft vibrations
Implementation Method 2
a torsion sensor detects shaft torsion about that first axis
Implementation Method 3
a device for detecting forces exerted on the first shaft positioners
Data Source
AI summary
A test station for testing golf clubs has a clamp on the lower portion holding a shaft extending along a first axis. Sensors along that axis detect shaft vibrations torsion vibrations. Four towers are movably connected to a rail extending along the top portion of the base. Two of the towers have a first vertically adjustable shaft positioner and a device to detect forces exerted on the first shaft positioners. The other two towers also have vertically adjustable shaft positioners. The towers are used to determine stiffness, center of gravity, swing point and other properties. A drawer in the base contains a scale to measure the club length, and a pivoted stop to measure head angle.