Golf Club Head Trench Features for Launch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern golf club heads face challenges in enhancing performance while maintaining structural integrity under impact stresses, as existing designs struggle to balance mass distribution and strikeface response with the need to withstand appropriate impact without degradation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of trench features with reinforcement structures in golf club heads, which alter launch characteristics and absorb impact stresses by compressing and decompressing during ball strikes, thereby adjusting spin and launch angles while providing additional structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mass is removed or rearranged to adjust center of gravity location, then launch characteristics improve, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a reinforcement structure with specific geometric features (ridge, plateau, trench) at the crown region where mass removal occurs. This localized reinforcement provides structural support exactly where needed while allowing mass redistribution elsewhere to optimize center of gravity and launch characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure combines multiple geometric features (ridge, plateau, trench) into a composite structural element that integrates both structural support and mass distribution functions, resolving the contradiction between strength requirements and performance optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If slots or elements are introduced to adjust strikeface response, then golf launch characteristics improve, but structural degradation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement structure acts as a flexible yet supportive element at the crown, allowing controlled deformation during impact while maintaining overall structural integrity. The geometric features (ridge, plateau, trench) provide flexibility in strikeface response while preventing structural failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure is designed in advance to absorb and distribute impact stresses before they can cause structural degradation. The trench feature specifically provides a cushioning effect by allowing controlled compression during ball impact.
3Strength
If reinforcement structures are added to maintain structural integrity, then impact resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the reinforcement structure: it provides structural support, controls mass distribution, influences strikeface response, and manages impact stresses. By combining these functions into a single integrated feature, the design avoids adding separate components that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure serves multiple purposes simultaneously: structural reinforcement, center of gravity adjustment, strikeface response modulation, and impact stress management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate features, maintaining design simplicity.
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 trench features allow for improved launch angles and reduced spin, increasing launch speed and maintaining structural integrity by absorbing and dissipating impact stresses effectively.
Implementation Method 1
alter launch characteristics and absorb impact stresses by compressing and decompressing during ball strikes
Implementation Method 2
absorb impact stresses by compressing and decompressing during ball strikes
Data Source
AI summary
Golf club heads with trench features are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.