Multilayer Golf Grip with Varying Durometer for Torque Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf club grips lack a balance between a soft outer layer for comfortable grip and tactile feel, and a firm inner layer for minimizing torque and maximizing responsiveness, which is not adequately addressed by existing dual durometer grips.
Innovation Solution
A hand grip with varying hardness is achieved through an injection-molded elongated flexible sleeve made from a first elastomeric material, combined with a compression-molded flexible panel of a second elastomeric material, providing a soft outer layer for grip feel and a firm inner layer for reduced torque, integrated to form a grip with raised portions for enhanced gripping and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a soft outer layer is used for comfortable grip and tactile feel, then grip feel and frictional qualities are improved, but torque resistance and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The grip applies the soft outer layer selectively only in areas where the player's fingers contact the grip, rather than covering the entire grip surface. This allows the soft material to provide comfort and tactile feel where needed, while the firm base layer maintains torque resistance in areas where it is required for swing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip combines two different materials with contrasting properties: a soft elastomeric outer layer for comfort and a firm base layer for structural integrity and torque resistance. This composite structure allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
2Strength
If a firm inner layer is used to minimize torque, then torque resistance and responsiveness are improved, but grip comfort and tactile feel deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The firm base layer is positioned specifically in areas where torque resistance is critical, while the soft outer layer is applied in areas where player contact occurs. This spatial differentiation allows each layer to excel at its intended function without compromising the other.
3Ease of operation
If dual durometer grips with two layers of different materials are used, then grip feel is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is divided into two distinct stages: first forming the base layer with the firm material, then separately applying and molding the soft outer layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to attempting to create a uniform dual-durometer material.
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 grip offers improved grip feel and frictional qualities while minimizing torque, enhancing the overall responsiveness and control during a golf swing by utilizing materials with different durometer values for specific areas.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible sleeve is injection molded and formed from at least a first elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
An elongated flexible panel of at least a second elastomeric material and a shape constructed to fit within the lower surface portion and wrap around the lower surface portion of the sleeve is compression molded to the sleeve
Implementation Method 3
is compression molded to the sleeve and is integrally bonded thereto for forming the grip
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a multicompound hand grip for an implement, like a golf club grip, that has varying hardness in selected areas. The grip has an inner sleeve and an outer panel. The inner sleeve is made of a first elastomeric material and includes selected raised portions that provide a reinforcement ridge in some embodiments to provide varying hardness at selected locations or areas. The sleeve is made of a material having a durometer value that differs from the material and the durometer value of the outer panel to provide a grip with good tactile feel and gripping qualities.