Putter Face Insert Stiffness Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing putters require disassembly and reassembly to adjust face performance, increasing the risk of lost parts and complexity in adjusting compression and stiffness.

Innovation Solution

A putter head design featuring a body with a recess and threaded bore, a first and second face insert, an elastomeric pad, and a screw that allows for adjustable stiffness by compressing the pad against the second face insert when tightened, enabling adjustment without disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the putter face insert is made adjustable to change compression and stiffness, then the adaptability of the putter is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components and adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of face insertVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The face insert is divided into multiple segments or layers that can be independently adjusted. The compression element is segmented into discrete adjustable components rather than a monolithic structure, allowing selective adjustment of different portions of the face insert to achieve desired stiffness characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The face insert transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The compression element incorporates movable components that allow the golfer to change the stiffness and compression characteristics of the face insert according to playing conditions or preference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the putter requires disassembly and reassembly to adjust face performance, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated adjustment process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of face insertVSAvoidease of adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is pre-configured with alignment features, guide structures, and pre-positioned components that eliminate the need for complex assembly procedures. The face insert and compression elements are pre-aligned during manufacturing with registration features that ensure proper positioning during adjustment, allowing golfers to make changes without disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The compression element includes features such as self-locking mechanisms, snap-fit connections, or tool-free adjustment components that automatically maintain proper positioning without requiring the golfer to perform complex assembly or disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the putter uses multiple adjustable components to modify face characteristics, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of lost parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of face insertVSAvoidrisk of lost parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple adjustment functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The compression element combines the face insert, compression springs, and adjustment components into one unified assembly that adjusts as a complete unit, eliminating separate small parts that could be lost during the adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism uses nested or telescoping components where smaller elements are contained within larger housing structures. The compression elements and adjustment components are nested within the putter head body or face insert housing, ensuring that all adjustable parts remain contained and cannot be lost during adjustment or transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 easy adjustment of the putter face's stiffness by turning a screw, allowing golfers to change the compression without disassembling the club, reducing the risk of lost parts and simplifying the process.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric pad, and a screw comprising a tool engagement end, a butt end, and a plurality of threads... tightening the screw causes the elastomeric pad to press against a rear surface of the second face insert

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9480889B1Putter with adjustable compression insert

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY

AI summary

A putter head with means for adjusting the stiffness of a face insert is disclosed herein. The putter preferably includes a body, a first face insert comprising a cutout, a second face insert sized to fit within the cutout, an elastomeric pad, and a screw, and tightening the screw preferably causes the elastomeric pad to press against a rear surface of the second face insert and therefore change the stiffness of the second face insert.