Putter Face Insert Structure for Topspin and Rolling Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing putter heads do not effectively enhance the rolling stability of a golf ball upon impact, lacking a design that imparts sufficient topspin for improved rolling performance.
Innovation Solution
A putter head design featuring a recessed insert with a cantilever structure and an elastic member, utilizing materials with specific gravities of 2.5 to 4.5 and 0.7 to 1.3 respectively, which flexes upon impact to impart topspin, combined with grooves for enhanced friction, improving rolling stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a face insert is mounted in the putter head to improve hitting sensation, then the hitting sensation is improved, but the rolling stability of the golf ball is not effectively enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The face insert is divided into two functional segments: an insert body made of heavy material (specific gravity 2.5-4.5) for structural support and hitting sensation, and an elastic member made of lighter material (specific gravity 0.7-1.3) for imparting topspin. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The face insert uses a composite structure combining two materials with different specific gravities. The heavy insert body material provides structural integrity and hitting sensation, while the lighter elastic member material provides elasticity and topspin generation. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
2Strength
If a rigid face insert is used to maintain structural integrity, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to impart topspin and reduce slip is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the face insert have different mechanical properties. The insert body is made rigid and heavy for structural integrity and hitting sensation, while the elastic member is made flexible and lighter for topspin generation. This local differentiation of material properties allows the structure to simultaneously provide strength and elasticity where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is designed to deform dynamically upon impact with the golf ball, converting kinetic energy into elastic deformation and then into rotational motion (topspin). This dynamic behavior allows the insert to adapt to impact forces while generating the desired spin, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and elasticity.
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 enhances the rolling stability of the golf ball by easily imparting topspin and reducing slip, resulting in improved rolling performance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member including a second material... which flexes upon impact to impart topspin
Implementation Method 2
combined with grooves for enhanced friction, improving rolling stability
Data Source
AI summary
A putter head includes a head body and an insert mounted in the head body. The insert includes an insert body including a first material, and an elastic member including a second material. The elastic member is disposed in a recess formed upward from a lower end portion of the insert body. The first material has a specific gravity of 2.5 or more and 4.5 or less. The second material has a specific gravity of 0.7 or more and 1.3 or less. A front surface of the insert serves as a face surface.