Golf Club Sole Bending for Adjustable Bounce Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for adjusting the bounce angle of a golf club head, such as grinding the sole, result in a permanent reduction of mass and altered weight distribution, which can affect the 'sweet spot' and feel of the club, and cannot be reversed.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for modifying the golf club head by bending the sole using a tool with a clamp and press or flange to change the bounce angle without removing material, allowing for adjustable plastic deformation of the sole's contour.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sole is ground down to change the bounce angle, then the bounce angle is adjusted, but the mass of the golf club head is reduced and mass distribution is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the sole material through controlled heating and bending. Instead of removing material, the sole is heated to a temperature where it becomes pliable, then bent to the desired angle, and cooled to set the new shape. This changes the geometric parameter (bounce angle) without changing the mass parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical removal system (grinding tools that cut away material) with a thermal-mechanical system. Heating elements soften the material, allowing it to be reshaped through bending forces, then cooling sets the new configuration. This substitution eliminates material loss while achieving the same functional goal of bounce angle adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If material is removed from the sole by grinding, then the bounce angle is decreased, but the modification is permanent and cannot be adjusted later
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the sole modifiable rather than static. The heating and cooling process allows the sole to transition between rigid (when cool) and pliable (when heated) states. This dynamic property enables multiple adjustments over time - the golfer can reheat and rebend the sole if playing conditions or swing characteristics change, providing ongoing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers the material that would otherwise be discarded by grinding. Instead of permanently removing material, the process temporarily softens it, reshapes it, and then sets it in the new configuration. The material is fully retained and reused, allowing the modification to be reversed or adjusted by repeating the heating and bending process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sole is ground down to adjust bounce angle, then the contour is changed, but the sweet spot location and club feel are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the sole material from rigid to pliable through controlled heating, allowing reshaping without material removal. This maintains the original mass distribution and structural integrity, preserving the sweet spot location and club feel while achieving the desired bounce angle adjustment through contour modification of the heated material.
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 adjustable bounce angles without altering the mass distribution, accommodating different ground conditions and swing styles, and allowing for reversible modifications.
Implementation Method 1
bending at least a portion of the sole by applying a force using the bending tool to cause plastic deformation of the sole
Data Source
AI summary
A golf club head includes a striking face including a face center, a top portion, a sole including a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a rear side opposite the striking face. The rear side includes a channel configured to permit bending at least a portion of the sole to cause plastic deformation to change a bounce angle defined as an angle between a virtual sole line and a virtual ground plane when the golf club head is orientated in a reference position where the golf club head is addressed to hit a golf ball.