Interchangeable Hosels with Curved Interfaces for Golf Clubs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing golf club hosels are either too heavy, inflexible, or lack interchangeability, affecting the moment of inertia, center of gravity, and ease of customization, while existing solutions either add weight or restrict angle adjustments, failing to provide a balanced and adjustable solution.

Innovation Solution

Interchangeable and removable hosels with varying lengths and constructions, secured using two-part mechanical fasteners, allowing for adjustments in stiffness and angle without altering the club's weight characteristics, and facilitating easy replacement and customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable hosels are used to customize lie and face angles, then adaptability is improved, but weight increases due to the size and mass of the hosel structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of lie and face anglesVSAvoidweight of hosel

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hosel is divided into separate interchangeable components that can be selectively attached to the club head, allowing customization without requiring a complete redesign of the entire hosel structure each time. The hosel interface separates the adjustable angle component from the club head, enabling independent optimization of each part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hosel interface is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate multiple hosel types with different angles and configurations. The same interface structure supports various hosel variations, eliminating the need for separate interfaces for each customization option.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If adhesives are used to secure the hosel, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to difficulty in removal and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of hosel installationVSAvoidease of hosel replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The hosel attachment system transitions from a static adhesive bond to a dynamic mechanical connection that allows easy assembly and disassembly. The mechanical interface enables the hosel to be quickly installed and removed without permanent bonding, facilitating both manufacturing and repair operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive bonding system is replaced with a mechanical fastening system that uses physical interfaces and structures for attachment. This substitution maintains ease of installation while dramatically improving ease of removal and replacement through purely mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If the hosel is formed integral with the club head, then strength is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as the hosel cannot be interchanged or adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of hoselVSAvoidinterchangeability of hosel

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hosel is segmented into separate components rather than being integral to the club head. This segmentation maintains structural integrity through well-designed interfaces while enabling interchangeability and adaptability through the ability to attach different hosel configurations to the same club head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hosel interface merges the club head and hosel into a unified structural assembly that maintains strength through integrated design elements. The interface structure combines the club head cavity and hosel mounting features into a cohesive unit that provides structural integrity while allowing for interchangeable hosel attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If hosel interface structures are added to adjust shaft angle, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment of shaft angleVSAvoidcomplexity of hosel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hosel interface is designed as a universal mounting structure that handles multiple functions including angle adjustment, shaft attachment, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7846037B2Golf club heads with interchangeable hosels

Publication Date: 2010.12.07 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

A hosel set for a golf club is provided that contains a plurality of hosels that can be used interchangeably and removably with one or more golf club heads to secure a shaft to the golf club heads. The hosels vary in length while maintaining the same weight. Mating, curved surfaces are provided on the hosel and the golf club head to facilitate ease of bending and to reduce binding and gapping between the hosel and the golf club head.