Golf Swing Training Device Elbow Restraint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing golf swing training devices are cumbersome, require frequent readjustment, restrict mobility, and are not adaptable for both left- and right-handed golfers, failing to effectively regulate the elbow's distance from the body during a swing, leading to swing faults like the 'flying elbow' and limiting portability.

Innovation Solution

A golf swing training device featuring a shoulder strap assembly, an elbow restraint assembly with two stretchable bands, and a connecting strap member that resiliently biases the elbow against the body, allowing adjustable and comfortable fit for both handedness, enabling an unrestricted full swing and easy storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an arm restraint assembly is secured around the arm above the elbow, then the elbow can be held close to the body, but the strap rides up the arm requiring continuous readjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelbow positioning stabilityVSAvoidreadjustment frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The arm restraint assembly is designed to be movable along the arm, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate different elbow positions and arm movements during the golf swing, preventing the strap from riding up and requiring frequent readjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The arm restraint assembly is divided into multiple segments or adjustment zones, allowing independent adjustment of different portions of the restraint to optimize both elbow positioning and comfort throughout the swing motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a waist belt is used to secure the arm restraint, then the arm can be restrained, but mobility around the core is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearm restraint effectivenessVSAvoidcore mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The waist belt component is completely removed from the device design. Instead, the arm restraint assembly is anchored to the shoulder strap assembly, eliminating the restrictive waist belt while maintaining effective arm restraint through the shoulder-based anchoring system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The shoulder strap assembly serves as an intermediary anchoring point, transferring the restraint force from the arm to the shoulder girdle rather than the waist, thereby maintaining restraint effectiveness while preserving core mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the adjustability means is positioned at the back of the user, then the shoulder strap can be adjusted, but the user cannot finely adjust whilst the device is fitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoulder strap adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustability means is inverted from a rear-positioned design to a front-positioned design on the shoulder strap assembly, allowing the user to easily access and adjust the shoulder strap circumference while the device is fitted to the body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Strength

If rigid materials are used for construction, then the device provides structural support, but portability and flexibility for storage are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidportability and storage flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates flexible webbing straps and flexible restraint elements that can bend and conform to the body's shape during use, yet maintain sufficient tensile strength to provide effective restraint. These flexible components can be easily folded and stored in a compact manner when not in use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

5Reliability

If a shoulder strap is present, then the arm can be restrained, but rotation of the non-dominant shoulder is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearm restraint effectivenessVSAvoidshoulder rotation freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint force is locally applied only to the dominant arm through the elbow restraint assembly, while the non-dominant shoulder and arm are left completely free of restraints, allowing full rotation and movement of the non-dominant side during the golf swing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

6Reliability

If the elbow is restrained instead of positioned, then the arm is held close to the body, but the correct movement path is not ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelbow positioningVSAvoidmovement path accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elbow restraint assembly provides continuous tactile feedback to the user throughout the swing motion, guiding the elbow along the correct movement path through the sensation of restraint rather than rigid positioning, allowing natural movement while maintaining proper form

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 device provides a comfortable, adjustable, and portable solution that effectively regulates the elbow's movement, preventing swing faults like the 'flying elbow' and allowing prolonged use without readjustment, suitable for both left- and right-handed golfers, while facilitating muscular conditioning and kinaesthetic feedback.

Implementation Method 1

connecting strap member... resiliently biasing said elbow against the side of the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

elbow restraint assembly comprises two stretchable bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11338186B2Golf swing training device

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 WELSH STEVEN THOMAS

AI summary

A golf swing training device for regulating the distance of the elbow of the dominant arm from the side of the body of a user during a golf swing.