Laser Putter Fitting System for Aim Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The majority of golfers aim incorrectly while putting, leading to inefficiencies in their putting technique due to unsuitable putter fittings, which existing methods fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A putter fitting system utilizing a laser to evaluate a golfer's aim and suggest physical modifications to the putter, such as hosel adjustments, loft, and grip types, to correct aiming errors, with automated recommendations generated by a computer program or human professionals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional putter fitting methods are used, then the fitting process is simple and quick, but the aiming precision and putting performance remain poor due to incorrect aim
Solution Approach 1:
A laser device is introduced as an intermediary tool to objectively measure the golfer's aim by projecting a beam along the putter shaft axis and marking the target position. This mediator provides precise quantitative data about aiming errors without requiring complex analysis of ball flight or subjective assessment, thereby achieving high measurement precision while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fitting methods (such as analyzing ball flight patterns or using complex motion capture systems) with an optical measurement system. The laser-based aiming measurement substitutes for cumbersome mechanical evaluation processes, providing accurate aim data through optical projection and marking rather than through complex mechanical analysis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ball flight evaluation methods are used, then comprehensive club performance data can be obtained, but the system becomes expensive and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the specific function of aim measurement from the broader ball flight evaluation process. By focusing solely on measuring the putter's aim angle and direction using a laser, the system removes the need for expensive, complex ball flight tracking equipment while still providing actionable fitting data. This extraction allows for a simpler, more portable system that addresses the critical aiming component separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple components such as a basic laser device and target marking surface instead of expensive, sophisticated ball flight measurement equipment. The system uses affordable optical elements and simple mechanical components that can be easily transported and set up, providing versatile fitting capabilities without the high cost and complexity of professional ball flight laboratories.
3Ease of manufacture
If generic putters are used, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but the putting performance deteriorates due to lack of individualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing specific parameters of the putter (such as shaft angle, face orientation, and length) based on the individual golfer's measured aim characteristics. Rather than completely redesigning the entire putter, only the critical local parameters that affect aiming are adjusted to match the golfer's anatomy and stroke, achieving individualized performance while maintaining efficient manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through interchangeable components and adjustable features that allow the putter to be customized for different golfers. The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of putter parameters (such as swapping shafts with different angles or adjusting face orientation) based on measured aim data, allowing the same basic putter platform to adapt to multiple individual users rather than requiring entirely custom-built putters for each golfer.
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 custom-fit putters that optimize putting ability by accurately correcting aim errors, improving the golfer's alignment and stroke, and providing a cost-effective, portable solution independent of ball flight evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
a laser configured to deflect a laser beam off of a putter at address and strike a scoring map
Data Source
AI summary
A putter fitting method and system comprising a laser configured to deflect a laser beam off of a putter at address and strike a scoring map in such a way so as to indicate the any error's in a golfer's aim. The method and system may further comprise determining physical alterations to the golfer's putter in order to correct the aim errors. Such changes may be to the hosels (neck), hosel offset, hosel types, head shape, loft, line combination, length or the like. These changes may be suggested automatically, for example, by a computer program, based on the location of the laser strike, or by a fitting professional.