Golf Putter Head Opening for Swing Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf putting apparatuses lack the ability to provide immediate feedback on whether the ball is hit with the sweet spot and the appropriate amount of power, making it difficult for golfers to improve their putting skills and transfer practice to actual gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A golf putting apparatus with a club head featuring an opening that extends across its width, allowing for instant feedback through distinct ball trajectories based on contact points, and an optional club face that can be attached to close the opening for real play, enabling precise control and power modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a golf putting apparatus provides instant feedback on sweet spot contact and power application, then training effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by creating an opening in the club head that allows the golf ball to pass through during practice swings. When the ball is hit with the sweet spot, it travels through the opening in a specific trajectory, providing immediate visual feedback to the golfer about contact quality and power application, eliminating the need for complex electronic sensors or measurement devices
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses the golf ball itself and the natural physics of ball-flight trajectories to provide feedback. The opening structure allows the ball to self-indicate whether it was hit correctly through its trajectory path, without requiring external measurement systems or complex apparatus components
2Adaptability or versatility
If a club head opening is created for feedback, then training value is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The club head is segmented by creating an opening that divides the solid structure into regions separated by walls. This segmentation allows the opening to provide feedback functionality while the remaining wall structures maintain the overall structural integrity and strength of the club head
Solution Approach 2:
The opening is strategically positioned and sized to provide maximum feedback value while minimizing impact on overall club head strength. The local modification is concentrated in specific areas where it provides training benefit, while other areas of the club head maintain full structural integrity
3Productivity
If the opening remains open for practice, then feedback capability is maintained, but the apparatus cannot be used for actual play
Solution Approach 1:
The club head design allows dynamic reconfiguration between practice and play modes. The opening can be in an open state during practice to provide feedback, and then modified or covered during play to restore normal club functionality, enabling the same apparatus to serve multiple purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The club head is designed to serve dual functions: as a training apparatus with the opening for feedback during practice sessions, and as a functional club for actual play when the opening is closed or covered. This multi-functionality allows one apparatus to replace both practice and game equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
A golf putting apparatus is presented. The apparatus includes a putter with a shaft and a club head, wherein the club head has a center section carved out to form an opening. The bottom of the opening may be defined by a connector. When used with the opening uncovered, this putter provides the golfer with immediate feedback on his/her swing, such as whether the ball would have contacted the sweet spot of the club had the opening been closed, how hard the ball was hit, and which part of the ball was hit. A club face may be attached across the opening to "close" the opening so the putter may be used in a game.