Putter Alignment Using Rectangular Elements Parallel to Striking Face
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional putter-type golf club head alignment solutions, such as grooves and circular alignment elements, fail to provide effective alignment with the cup, leading to inaccurate shots and golfer uncertainty.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating rectangular alignment elements with edges parallel to the striking face and extending parallel to the golf ball's travel direction, matching the golf ball's diameter, to enhance alignment and reduce off-centered shots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional circular alignment elements (2-ball design) are used on the putter head, then alignment feedback is provided to the golfer, but the alignment accuracy is insufficient leading to erroneous shots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional symmetric circular alignment elements with asymmetric rectangular alignment elements. The rectangular elements have specific orientations with edges parallel and perpendicular to the striking face, creating an asymmetric pattern that provides more precise directional feedback to the golfer for accurate alignment with the cup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the alignment elements from circular to rectangular shapes. The rectangular elements have specific dimensions where at least one edge is substantially equal to the diameter of the golf ball, and the elements are positioned at specific distances from the striking face, creating optimal alignment parameters that improve both measurement precision and shot reliability.
2Ease of operation
If rectangular alignment elements with edges parallel to the striking face are used, then alignment feedback becomes more intuitive and accurate, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment system into multiple separate rectangular alignment elements positioned at different locations on the putter head. Each element serves as an independent alignment reference, with at least one edge parallel to the striking face and another edge perpendicular to it, providing segmented visual cues that simplify the alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric qualities to different parts of the alignment system. The rectangular elements have specific local characteristics including edge orientations parallel and perpendicular to the striking face, with at least one edge dimension substantially equal to the golf ball diameter, creating locally optimized alignment features that enhance overall ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A putter-type golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position, includes a striking wall extending in the heel to toe direction and defines a substantially planar striking face for hitting a golf ball. A central elongate member is in communication with, and extends rearward from, the striking wall. An upper surface of the central elongate member includes a plurality of separate alignment elements. At least one of the plurality of alignment elements has an edge that extends substantially parallel to the striking face. The length of the parallel edge is substantially equivalent to the diameter of a golf ball.