Putter Alignment Element Height for Offset Eye Position Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golfers face difficulties in properly aligning a putter-type golf club with a golf ball due to inconsistent eye position, as existing sightlines on the club head are not effective when the golfer's eyes are angularly offset from directly vertical.
Innovation Solution
A putter-type golf club head design featuring a rearward alignment element that forms a virtual center line segment at a consistent height between 19 mm and 24 mm from the sole, ensuring alignment with the golf ball regardless of the golfer's eye position, combined with a projection and alignment feature that aids in maintaining alignment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional sightline is placed at the lateral midpoint of the club head, then alignment is easier when the golfer's eyes are directly over the club head, but alignment accuracy deteriorates when the golfer's eyes are angularly offset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical height dimension to the alignment element, positioning it at a specific height (19-24mm) above the sole of the club head. This creates a three-dimensional alignment reference that projects a virtual center line segment, allowing golfers with offset eye positions to still perceive accurate alignment by referencing the alignment element at this specific height rather than a two-dimensional surface marking.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment element acts as an intermediary between the club head and the golfer's eyes. By positioning this element at a specific height and creating a virtual center line segment, it mediates the alignment process for golfers with various eye positions, translating the physical club head orientation into a perceptible alignment reference that works regardless of where the golfer's eyes are positioned relative to the club head.
2Device complexity
If the sightline is positioned at the center of the club head, then the structure is simple, but it fails to provide accurate alignment when eye position varies
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing a complex alignment system throughout the entire club head, the patent applies the alignment function locally at a specific position - the rearward alignment element positioned at a specific height (19-24mm) above the sole. This localized approach maintains overall structural simplicity while concentrating the alignment function where it is most effective for golfers with offset eye positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds vertical height as a new dimension to the alignment element's position, locating it 19-24mm above the sole rather than on the top surface or at the center. This dimensional change creates a virtual center line segment that provides accurate alignment references for golfers with various eye positions, achieving better alignment accuracy without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A putter-type golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position, includes a blade portion having a striking face, a top line, and a sole, the striking face in turn including a face center. The club head further includes a rear portion in communication with, and rearward of, the blade portion, and it includes an alignment element rearward of, and recessed toward the sole from, the top line. The alignment element defines a virtual center line segment oriented in a substantially front-to-rear direction at a height between 19 mm and 24 mm from a lowermost point of the sole, the center line segment having a length no less than 34 mm and being not spaced more than 10 mm from a virtual vertical plane passing through the face center and extending generally perpendicular to the striking face. A width of the club head is no less than 3.0 in.