Textured Golf Club Strikeface for Wet Spin and Fatigue Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf club heads with strikefaces treated by laser shock peening lack a fine texture with indentions smaller than 4 mm^2, which is necessary to achieve the desired coefficient of friction for optimal launch and spin rate characteristics, especially under wet conditions. Additionally, there is a need for improved durability and resistance to fatigue and crack propagation.
Innovation Solution
The golf club head features a textured strikeface surface with a plurality of small indentions created using the laser shock surface patterning (LSSP) process. This process produces indentions with footprint areas between 0.01 μm^2 and 250,000 μm^2, providing a higher coefficient of friction compared to traditional laser shock peening. The LSSP process also introduces compressive residual stress, enhancing fatigue resistance and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional laser shock peening is used to treat the strikeface, then the hardness of the striking face is increased, but the indentions created are too large (greater than 4 mm^2) to provide the desired coefficient of friction for optimal launch and spin rate characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser treatment process into multiple passes, with each pass creating a portion of the final indention pattern. By using a mask with multiple apertures and moving the mask relative to the strikeface between passes, the system creates numerous small indentions (less than 4 mm^2) rather than a single large indention, thereby achieving the desired coefficient of friction while maintaining surface hardness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic movement to the treatment process by moving the mask relative to the strikeface during or between laser treatment passes. This dynamic approach allows the same laser parameters to produce multiple small indentions across different locations, transforming the static large-indention outcome into a dynamic pattern of multiple small indentions that provide optimal friction characteristics
2Speed
If the strikeface surface is made smoother to reduce friction, then ball speed may improve, but spin rate decreases and control is lost, especially under wet conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating indentions only in specific regions of the strikeface through the use of a mask with selectively positioned apertures. This allows different portions of the strikeface to have different surface characteristics - some areas with indentions for friction and spin control, while other areas remain smoother for ball speed. The localized indention pattern ensures optimal performance under wet conditions without compromising overall ball speed
3Manufacturing precision
If the laser beam area is reduced to create smaller indentions, then the coefficient of friction improves, but the treatment time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple treatment operations into a single coordinated process by combining the mask with multiple apertures, relative mask movement, and sequential laser passes. This integration allows the system to create numerous small indentions across the strikeface in a unified treatment sequence rather than requiring separate treatments for each indention, thereby reducing total treatment time while maintaining the precision of small indention sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by moving the mask continuously or in sequence relative to the strikeface during the treatment process. This continuous movement ensures that the laser treatment progresses systematically across the entire strikeface area, creating all required indentions in an uninterrupted sequence rather than requiring repeated positioning and setup, thus minimizing treatment time while achieving comprehensive coverage
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
The textured strikeface with small indentions achieved by LSSP improves shot performance by lowering launch angle, increasing ball spin, and maintaining ball speed, especially under wet conditions. The enhanced durability and resistance to fatigue and crack propagation extend the club head's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The energy from the laser beam is absorbed by the absorptive layer, causing this layer to quickly turn into plasma
Implementation Method 2
The quick production of plasma causes a shockwave that deforms the strikeface front surface like a hammer, creating indentions in the surface
Implementation Method 3
The LSSP process also introduces compressive residual stress, enhancing fatigue resistance and durability
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a golf club head with a textured strikeface and methods to form said club head through laser shock treatment are generally described herein. The golf club head can comprise a body and a strikeface. The strikeface has a textured front surface, with an array of indentions. Each indention can have a footprint area of between 0.01 μm2 (1×10−8 mm2) to 250,000 μm2 (0.25 mm2). The textured front surface can affect the spin imparted to a golf ball upon impact. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.