Segmented Back Cavity Insert for Iron Strikeface Flex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing iron-type golf club heads with back cavity inserts experience reduced energy transfer to the golf ball due to the insert's resistance to strikeface flexing, limiting the distance the ball travels.
Innovation Solution
A back cavity insert with multiple layers divided into discrete sections, featuring gaps between individual sections to allow for increased flexibility and reduced flexural resistance, enhancing energy return to the golf ball.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single-piece hard plastic or metallic insert cover is used, then the insert provides structural support and durability, but the insert cover is put into tension as the insert flexes rearwards, inhibiting the flexing and reducing energy return to the golf ball
Solution Approach 1:
The insert cover is divided into multiple segments or sections that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the insert to flex rearwards during strikeface deformation without creating excessive tension in a continuous cover, thereby maintaining structural support while reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert cover transitions from a rigid single-piece structure to a more flexible configuration that can accommodate rearward flexing. This may involve using thinner sections, flexible materials, or a segmented design that allows controlled deformation, reducing the tension that inhibits flexing while maintaining durability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the strikeface is thinned to move more mass to the perimeter and allow greater flexibility, then the strikeface can flex more during impact, but the back cavity insert has a greater effect on strikeface flexion and may inhibit flexing more significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the insert cover into segments allows each section to move independently, accommodating the greater flexion needed for thinned strikefaces without creating excessive resistance. This segmented design reduces the overall complexity compared to designing a completely flexible insert while maintaining the necessary adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert design transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic one that can adapt its flexibility based on strikeface deformation. The segmented cover allows the insert to dynamically respond to impact forces, flexing when needed while maintaining structural integrity, thus supporting thinned strikeface designs.
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 insert design improves energy transfer by allowing more energy to be returned to the golf ball, resulting in increased ball speed and distance, with potential improvements in launch angle and spin rate.
Implementation Method 1
the flex of the strikeface also attempts to move the insert rearward and to flex the insert affixed to the strikeface rear surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described herein is an iron-type golf club head having a back cavity and a multi-section back cavity insert that preserves more flexibility of the strike face and energy return to the golf ball.