Golf Swing Training Apparatus Using Stretchable Cloth Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of mechanisms to provide correct feedback to golfers for executing Ben Hogan's golf swing, particularly at the transition from backswing to downswing, which is crucial for mastering the 'Hogan Secret Move' described in his 1955 Life magazine article.
Innovation Solution
A golf swing training system using a clubhead-less golf club with a segment of stretchable cloth attached to a layered base, providing feedback on forearm rotations and swing plane by draping over the club shaft, and incorporating removable weights and attachments to mimic professional swing movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If books and articles describe Hogan's swing technique, then golfers can read about the theoretical movements, but they cannot feel or execute the correct swing mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a stretchable cloth attached to a layered base that provides tactile feedback to the golfer's hands and wrists during the swing. The cloth stretches and releases to indicate correct wrist positioning and swing plane, giving the golfer immediate sensory information about their swing mechanics without requiring visual observation or complex instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretchable cloth acts as an intermediary between the golfer's body movements and the feedback mechanism. It transmits the mechanical movements of the hands and wrists into observable stretching and releasing patterns that indicate correct technique, serving as a mediator that translates internal sensations into external feedback signals.
2Measurement precision
If a training aid provides detailed feedback on swing mechanics, then the golfer can learn correct technique, but the device becomes complex and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a stretchable cloth (flexible thin film) attached to a layered base to provide swing feedback. This flexible material naturally stretches and releases in response to wrist and hand movements, providing precise tactile feedback about swing mechanics without requiring complex sensors, electronics, or rigid structures. The simplicity of the flexible film maintains ease of use while delivering detailed feedback.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the training club uses a clubhead-less design with attachments, then it can provide resistance and feedback for practice without balls, but it reduces adaptability for actual golf play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by using a stretchable cloth that changes its physical state during the swing - stretching during the backswing and releasing during the downswing. This dynamic behavior provides different types of feedback and resistance at different phases of the swing, allowing the simple clubhead-less design to deliver complex training information without requiring multiple static attachments or complex mechanisms.
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 golfers to learn and execute the correct swing plane and 'Hogan Secret Move' by providing unmistakable feedback on hand, wrist, and forearm movements, improving ball striking abilities and allowing practice without a golf ball.
Implementation Method 1
a segment of stretchable cloth attached to a layered base that is attached to the end of a clubhead-less golf club
Implementation Method 2
provides a specially weighted golf club that mimics the golf swing training club when hitting balls
Data Source
AI summary
A golf training aid 20 that provides to the user unmistakable positive feedback how to use the hands, wrists and forearms in the golf swing to affect what has been popularly called ‘Ben Hogan's Secret Move,’ particularly during the transition of the golf swing. Golf training aid 20 also provides the golfer unmistakable feedback as to whether they have executed the correct movement that Hogan explained in his 1955 Life magazine article.