Piezoelectric Sensor Golf Club Shaft Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring kinematic characteristics of a golf club rely on external equipment, which limits precision and requires perceptibility to the golfer, whereas a method to directly measure and relay these characteristics from the golf club itself is needed.
Innovation Solution
Integration of piezoelectric components, such as accelerometers, within or on various parts of the golf club, including the shaft and club head, connected to a processor, memory, and wireless transmitter, allowing for the measurement and display of swing speed, acceleration, and impact efficiency without being noticeable to the golfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external equipment (launch monitor) is used to measure kinematic characteristics, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision and directness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric sensor is nested within the hollow shaft of the golf club, with the sensor housed in a cavity formed in the shaft. This integration allows the measurement device to be contained within the club structure itself, providing direct measurement capability while maintaining a compact form factor that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the measurement function with the golf club structure by integrating the piezoelectric sensor directly into the shaft. This merging eliminates the need for separate external measurement equipment, thereby improving measurement precision and directness while the integrated design keeps the added complexity minimal.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the golf club, then direct measurement capability is achieved, but the club's weight and aerodynamics may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within a cavity formed in the hollow shaft, utilizing the existing internal space of the shaft rather than adding external components. This approach minimizes the increase in club weight while providing direct measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow shaft is formed with a specific cavity structure at a localized position to house the sensor, rather than changing the entire shaft structure. This localized modification minimizes the impact on overall club weight and aerodynamic properties while providing the necessary space for the sensor.
3Measurement precision
If multiple piezoelectric components are placed along the shaft, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple portions (first portion near club head, second intermediate portion, third portion near grip), with piezoelectric components placed at different locations along these segments. This segmentation allows for comprehensive measurement of kinematic characteristics at multiple points, improving measurement accuracy while organizing the components in a structured manner that manages device complexity.
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 precise and direct measurement of kinematic characteristics, providing golfers with accurate feedback to improve their swing and game performance without affecting the club's weight or aerodynamics.
Implementation Method 1
The force components generated during impact between the club head and the golf ball can be determined by a piezoelectric component
Implementation Method 2
accelerometer operable to measure swing speed, club head acceleration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon at least one portion of a golf club. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is operable to determine the velocity of the club. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact and swing speed. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.