Putter Face Insert with Oval Holes and Urethane Backing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf club face inserts for putter-type golf club heads do not provide optimal feedback and performance, lacking a combination of improved feel and performance qualities.
Innovation Solution
A golf club face insert comprising a metal sheet with oval-shaped holes and a urethane backing, where the sheet is permanently attached to the backing, optimizing the fit within a face recess and providing enhanced grip and force absorption for improved ball control and roll consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a face insert is used in a putter head, then ball control and roll consistency are improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to the multi-layer construction with sheet and backing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sheet component and backing component into a single integrated face insert assembly that is permanently attached as one unit within the putter head. This merging approach maintains the functional benefits of both layers (ball control from the sheet, cushioning from the backing) while simplifying installation and reducing assembly complexity compared to separate replaceable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The face insert is pre-assembled with the sheet permanently attached to the backing before installation into the putter head. This preliminary assembly action ensures proper alignment and bonding between layers, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during installation and reducing the skill level required for assembly.
2Strength
If the sheet thickness is increased to improve durability, then the feel and feedback during putting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a precise thickness range for the sheet (0.005 to 0.100 inch, preferably 0.007 to 0.016 inch) to optimize the balance between durability and feel. This parameter optimization ensures the sheet is thick enough to provide structural integrity and durability while remaining thin enough to maintain responsive feedback and cushioning characteristics during putting.
Solution Approach 2:
The face insert uses a composite construction with a metal or composite sheet bonded to a polymer backing material. This composite approach allows the thin sheet to maintain durability while the compliant backing material provides the necessary cushioning and feel, achieving both strength and operational quality without requiring a thick single-layer construction.
3Ease of operation
If the holes in the sheet are made larger to improve grip, then the structural integrity of the sheet deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific parameters for the holes including size (0.150 to 0.200 inch width, 0.020 to 0.060 inch height), spacing (0.01 to 0.03 inch horizontal, 0.005 to 0.011 inch vertical), and distribution patterns. These optimized parameters maximize the surface area for ball grip and interaction while maintaining sufficient material between holes to preserve the sheet's structural integrity and prevent deformation under impact loads.
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 solution enhances ball control by achieving a consistent deceleration and smoother roll, with increased top spin and reduced bounce, providing golfers with better distance and appearance control compared to commercial products.
Implementation Method 1
a backing composed of a polymer material... the backing may be composed of a urethane, which may have a hardness of Shore 40D to Shore 60D
Implementation Method 2
the sheet is permanently attached to the polymer backing... the sheet may be attached to the backing with an adhesive material
Data Source
AI summary
A putter-type golf club head having a face insert comprising a metal sheet and a urethane backing is disclosed herein. The metal sheet, which makes contact with a golf ball during use, includes a plurality of oval-shaped holes extending through the entire thickness of the sheet and having a specific size and spacing, and the urethane backing has a hardness that optimizes performance of the face insert, and thus the putter.