Modular Putter Head with Interchangeable Strike Face Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf putters face challenges in adapting to varying grass types and putting strokes due to inconsistent loft angles, which can affect performance across different golf courses.
Innovation Solution
A modular putter head design that allows for interchangeable strike face inserts with adjustable loft angles, materials, and surface configurations, enabling golfers to customize their putter for specific conditions without altering the visual perspective or addressing technique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed loft angle is used in the putter head, then the manufacturing is simple and consistent, but the adaptability to different grass types and putting strokes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The putter head is segmented into two main parts: a body with a window and a separate insert with a ball strike face. The insert can be removed and replaced with different inserts having different loft angles, allowing the putter to adapt to various grass types and putting strokes without changing the overall putter head structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The putter head design allows dynamic adjustment of the loft angle by enabling the golfer to swap inserts based on playing conditions. The insert can be removed from the window in the body and replaced with another insert having a different loft angle, making the putter adaptable rather than static.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable inserts are added to allow loft angle adjustment, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body with the window is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different inserts with varying loft angles. This single body design serves multiple functions by working with different inserts, reducing the need for multiple complete putter heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert allows changing the loft angle parameter by replacing the insert with another having a different loft angle. The dimensions and geometry of the insert are specifically designed to fit within the window, enabling parameter adjustment while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the insert is made removable and affixable, then the ease of operation and customization improves, but the reliability of the connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is pre-designed with specific dimensional characteristics that ensure proper fit and retention within the window. The foot of the insert extends into the window and is retained by the body's structure, ensuring stable connection before use.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert design replicates the essential functional characteristics of traditional putter strike faces while adding the capability for interchangeability. The insert body and foot are dimensioned to exactly match the window specifications, ensuring reliable retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A putter head for a golf putter is provided. The putter head comprises a body and insert. The body comprises a base; a face portion having a ball-facing surface with a non-zero first loft angle A; a window framed by the ball-facing surface and extending through the face portion; and an open-topped dock extending into the base rearwardly from the window. The insert is removably affixable to the body. The insert comprises: an insert body having a ball strike face with a second loft angle in the range of: 0 to A; and a foot extending rearwardly from the insert body. The foot is dimensioned to be inserted through the window and seated in the open-topped dock. The insert body is dimensioned to be received by and seated within the window.