Multi-Material Putter Head Layout for Alignment and Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf putters lack effective weight distribution, alignment aids, and visual contrast for improved sound, feel, and forgiveness, which are crucial for enhancing a golfer's putting performance.
Innovation Solution
A golf putter constructed from three separate body members made of different materials and densities, each with distinct visual and alignment features, including sightlines and weight ports, to enhance weight distribution, alignment, and visual contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a putter is constructed from three separate body members with different materials and densities, then weight distribution and forgiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The putter head is divided into three separate body members (first body member with striking face, second body member, and third body member) that can be manufactured independently from different materials and then assembled together. This segmentation allows optimization of each component for specific functions while achieving superior overall weight distribution and forgiveness compared to a monolithic construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining three different body members made from materials with different densities and properties. This composite approach enables precise control over the putter's center of gravity, moment of inertia, and overall weight distribution, thereby improving forgiveness and sound characteristics while managing the added construction complexity through standardized assembly interfaces.
2Reliability
If body members are made from different materials with different densities, then sound and feel are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the putter into three separate body members that can be manufactured independently, the patent enables the use of different materials for each component without compromising manufacturability. Each body member can be optimized for its specific function (striking face, weight distribution, structural support) using the most suitable material, while standardized connection interfaces simplify the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes material density as a key parameter to optimize sound and feel characteristics. By selecting materials with different densities for the three body members, the putter achieves superior acoustic properties and tactile feedback. The manufacturing process accommodates these material variations through controlled assembly procedures that ensure proper alignment and connection despite the different material properties.
3Measurement precision
If multiple body members are assembled together, then alignment and visual contrast are improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The putter is segmented into three body members with dedicated alignment features (such as alignment pins, recesses, or reference surfaces) that facilitate precise assembly. These segmentation-specific alignment mechanisms ensure accurate positioning of each component relative to the others, thereby improving overall alignment and visual contrast without creating excessive assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual contrast through different material finishes, colors, or surface treatments on the three body members to enhance alignment cues during assembly and use. These visual differentiation strategies make it easier to identify proper alignment and component orientation, reducing assembly complexity by providing intuitive alignment references that guide the assembly process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A putter having a body made from at least three separate components joined together. At least two of the components making up the body of the putter containing sightlines for aiding in putter alignment.