Putter Head Mass Distribution for Off-Center Hit Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf club heads tend to twist during off-center hits, leading to inaccurate ball direction and reduced energy transfer, as existing designs fail to provide sufficient consistency and forgiveness, especially in putter-type clubs.
Innovation Solution
A putter-type golf club head design with a frusto-triangular shape, where the mass is concentrated at or behind the geometric center, featuring a center section and wedge-shaped outer sections that increase the moment of inertia (MOI) about both vertical and horizontal axes, thereby reducing twisting and enhancing energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the putter head has a conventional design, then it is easier to manufacture, but it twists more during off-center hits leading to inaccurate ball direction
Solution Approach 1:
The putter head is divided into distinct sections: a center section and two outer sections. This segmentation allows each section to serve a specific function - the center section provides structural stability while the outer sections increase moment of inertia to reduce twisting during off-center hits, thereby improving ball direction accuracy without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the putter head have different mass distributions and geometric properties. The outer sections are designed with specific mass proportions (at least 15% of total mass each) and wedge shapes to locally increase moment of inertia where needed to prevent twisting, while the center section maintains structural integrity
2Use of energy by moving object
If the putter head has a conventional design, then the structure is simpler, but less energy is imparted to the golf ball during off-center hits
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the putter head into center and outer sections with specific mass requirements, the design optimizes energy transfer during impact. The segmented structure prevents energy loss to twisting motions while maintaining the complexity at a manageable level through clear geometric definitions
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes key parameters including the ratio of front face width to rear face width (less than or equal to 0.55:1), the mass proportion of outer sections (at least 15% each), and the position of the center of gravity. These parameter changes optimize energy transfer efficiency during ball impact
3Stability of the object's composition
If the putter head has a conventional design, then manufacturing is easier, but the ball skips over the ground rather than rolling smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped outer sections with specific mass proportions create a localized mass distribution that stabilizes the putter head during impact. This local mass concentration reduces unwanted twisting and bouncing motions, ensuring the ball rolls smoothly rather than skipping, while keeping the overall geometry manageable through defined sections
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 design significantly reduces twisting around both vertical and horizontal axes, resulting in more consistent ball motion and accuracy, with increased MOIzz and MOIxx values that ensure the ball rolls smoothly and directly, addressing the issues of off-center hits and energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a center section and wedge-shaped outer sections that increase the moment of inertia (MOI) about both vertical and horizontal axes, thereby reducing twisting
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a putter-type golf club head with an increased moment of inertia about the X axis (MOIxx) and an increased moment of inertia about the Z axis (MOIzz) are disclosed. Generally, the MOIzz is increased by designing the putter such that the center of gravity (CG) of the putter head is located at or behind the geometric center of the putter head. Additionally, the mass of the putter head is concentrated at the outer edges of the putter head. To accomplish this, the ratio of the width of the front of the putter head to the width of the rear of the putter head is no greater than 0.55:1. The MOIxx is further increased by locating the CG relatively close to the bottom of the putter head.