Golf Putter Grip Cap Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf putter grips with soft elastomeric materials are prone to rupture when repeatedly dropped into golf bags due to compression by the steel club shaft, leading to aesthetic and functional issues.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tubular grip with a raised ridge around the cap's periphery and a discrete domed or ellipsoidal central portion provides impact absorption and protection, extending over at least 25% of the cap's periphery, combined with varying durometer hardness for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a soft elastomeric material is used for the grip to enhance user feel, then the grip comfort and tactile feedback are improved, but the grip becomes more susceptible to rupture from repeated impacts with the club shaft
Solution Approach 1:
A cap is attached to the distal end of the grip to provide protective cushioning before impact occurs. The cap absorbs the repeated impacts from the club shaft during storage, preventing the soft elastomeric grip material from rupturing while maintaining its comfort properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip assembly combines two different materials with complementary properties: a soft elastomeric grip material for comfort and a harder, more impact-resistant cap material for protection. This composite structure allows the grip to maintain both comfort and durability.
2Ease of operation
If the grip is made with a non-circular cross-section with a flattened portion to facilitate gripping, then the ease of holding the club is improved, but the structural strength at the closed end is reduced making it more prone to rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The cap provides protective cushioning specifically at the weakened closed end of the non-circular grip. This reinforcement allows the grip to maintain its non-circular cross-section for better hand fit without compromising the structural strength at the vulnerable end point.
3Device complexity
If the closed end of the grip is left without protection to maintain simplicity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the grip suffers from rupture and punching through from repeated shaft impacts
Solution Approach 1:
A relatively simple cap structure is added to the distal end of the grip to provide protective cushioning. This minimal addition prevents rupture from repeated impacts while maintaining the overall simplicity of the grip design.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip is divided into two functional segments: the main elastomeric grip portion for comfort and the cap for protection. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall design relatively simple.
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 effectively prevents rupture and enhances the aesthetic appeal by absorbing impact, ensuring the putter grip remains intact and visually appealing despite frequent drops into golf bags.
Implementation Method 1
The raised dome provides for a bumper or cushion to protect the cap from being ruptured by the open end of the steel club shaft when the club is dropped handle first into a golf bag. The raised portion particularly with a domed shape undergoes some deflection to absorb the impact of the club handle striking the bottom of the club bag.
Implementation Method 2
In providing a flexible tubular grip for a putter golf club, it has been found desirable to form the flexible grip of relatively soft elastomeric material to enhance the user's 'feel' of the club when used for putting.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes a flexible tubular grip for a golf club, particularly a putter, having the tubular portion formed of relatively soft elastomer with a closure or end cap molded therewith or pre-cured and attached over the end of the tubular portion. The end cap has a raised ridge extending about a portion of the end cap periphery and may have a raised discrete central portion, both of which absorb impact when the club is dropped into a golf bag.