Interchangeable Golf Shaft System with Wedge Adjustability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf club designs lack an efficient and aesthetically pleasing method for interchangeable and adjustable shaft and club head connections, limiting customization options and manufacturing ease.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable shaft system that includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve assembly, a wedge member, and a fastener, providing dual angle adjustability and multiple discrete orientations within a single plane, using hosel alignment features and sleeve alignment features for secure and anti-rotation fit, allowing for customizable fitting and easy manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional threaded fastening members are used to connect shaft and club head, then the connection is secure, but the design produces unaesthetic bulges at the top and bottom of the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a hosel alignment feature integrated into the club head, a sleeve alignment feature on the shaft, and a fastening member that bridges them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for bulky threaded connections while maintaining secure attachment and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening member acts as an intermediary element that connects the hosel alignment feature and sleeve alignment feature without requiring direct threading between the shaft and club head. This intermediary approach eliminates the unaesthetic bulges caused by direct threaded connections while providing secure fastening.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple club heads with different characteristics are manufactured to suit golfer needs, then customization options increase, but manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment features (hosel and sleeve) are designed with universal compatibility, allowing a single shaft to be paired with multiple club heads of different characteristics (loft angles, lie angles, weights). The fastening member serves multiple functions: alignment, securing, and enabling interchangeability. This multi-functionality reduces the need to manufacture entirely different club assemblies for each customization option.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system enables dynamic reconfiguration of the golf club by allowing easy interchange between different shafts and club heads. The alignment features and fastening mechanism work together to provide stable connection during use while enabling quick changes during fitting, adapting the club characteristics to match the golfer's needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated disassembly and reassembly process is used to change club characteristics, then customization is possible, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design with separate alignment features and fastening members enables quick release and reattachment without complicated procedures. Each component can be independently handled and repositioned, significantly reducing the time required compared to monolithic designs requiring complete disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features (hosel and sleeve) are designed to self-align during the connection process, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning or complex alignment procedures. The fastening member incorporates features that guide proper engagement, making the reassembly process intuitive and time-efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve assembly, and a club head. The shaft sleeve assembly is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve assembly is removably coupled to the club head includes portions coupled by a flexible coupling.