Putter Head MOI Optimization via Segmented Weighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional putter heads suffer from undesirable rotation and kinetic energy loss due to the moment of inertia (MOI) limitations, leading to errors in direction and speed when hitting a golf ball, particularly for amateur golfers who do not hit the ball directly in front of the center of mass (COM).

Innovation Solution

Designing putter heads with extremely large moments of inertia (MOI) by strategically placing heavy 'load' elements far from the COM and using minimal connecting elements, optimizing their shapes, dimensions, and weights to maximize MOI within USGA regulations, resulting in a larger MOI-to-weight ratio (I/W) and making the entire putter face a 'sweet spot'.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the putter head size is increased to achieve larger MOI, then the resistance to rotation and directional accuracy improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to rotationVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The putter head is divided into distinct functional zones: a large MOI body portion with strategically placed weight elements, a separate face portion for ball contact, and a shaft connection region. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently for its specific function while contributing to the overall large MOI without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the putter head have different mass distributions and densities. The MOI-optimizing weight elements are concentrated in specific locations (heel, toe, rear) rather than uniformly distributed, creating local variations in mass that maximize rotational stability without requiring the entire structure to be overly complex

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If heavy load elements are placed far from the COM to maximize MOI, then the moment of inertia increases, but the weight distribution and balancing become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoment of inertiaVSAvoidweight distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The weight distribution in the putter head is intentionally asymmetric, with different mass configurations at the heel and toe sides. This asymmetric placement of load elements far from the COM maximizes the MOI while the asymmetric design itself becomes the manufacturing specification, simplifying the balancing process by making it a deliberate design feature rather than a post-manufacturing adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Weight elements are positioned not only laterally (heel-toe) but also vertically and depth-wise within the putter head structure. This three-dimensional placement of mass allows optimization of MOI across multiple axes simultaneously, and the fixed dimensional positions provide clear manufacturing guidelines for weight distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the putter head design is optimized for maximum MOI, then off-center hitting accuracy improves, but the adaptability to different golfer preferences and swing styles decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehitting accuracyVSAvoidgolfer preference adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The putter head design achieves universal appeal by making the entire clubface effectively a 'sweet spot' through large MOI, while simultaneously offering multiple configuration options (different weight element placements, face angles, and head shapes) that can be selected to match various golfer preferences and swing styles within the same design framework

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for parameter variations in weight element mass, position, and distribution while maintaining the core large-MOI architecture. This enables customization for different golfer needs (e.g., more heel weight for toe-swingers, more toe weight for heel-swingers) without departing from the fundamental design that provides high hitting accuracy across the face

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 putter heads with enhanced MOI ratios reduce off-center hitting errors, allowing golfers to hit the ball accurately for virtually any impact point, focusing on swing speed and direction without needing to precisely hit the sweet spot, thus improving overall golfing performance.

Implementation Method 1

the moment of inertia (MOI) of the putter head about the vertical axis through the COM of the putter head is important... the larger the MOI, the smaller the angular error

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoment of inertia: Moment of Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS8956245B2Putter head with maximal moment of inertia

Publication Date: 2015.02.17 BRANDT RICHARD A

AI summary

A putter head has a front that strikes a golf ball during putting, a length a, a width b, a weight W, and a moment of inertia I. The width extends along a horizontal width axis perpendicularly intersecting the front of the putter head. The length extends along a horizontal length axis perpendicularly intersecting the horizontal axis. The dimensions are, for example, a≦7 inches, b≦a, and I/Wa2>0.30.