Golf Club Shaft Flex Selection via Swing Deflection Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting golf club shafts do not effectively optimize clubhead speed at impact based on a golfer's swing characteristics, as they fail to consider the phase of maximum shaft deflection and kick velocity during the swing.
Innovation Solution
Measuring in-swing-plane shaft deflection and determining the phase of maximum deflection, along with kick velocity at impact, to categorize the golfer's swing and select a shaft flex that maximizes clubhead speed, using a system that can categorize swings into specific groups and recommend appropriate shaft flexes from a range of options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional shaft selection methods are used, then the selection process is simple, but clubhead speed at impact is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring shaft deflection characteristics during the golfer's swing and using these measured parameters (maximum deflection phase, kick velocity, deflection magnitude) to select optimal shaft flex. This transforms the selection process from subjective guesswork to objective parameter-based decision making, directly optimizing clubhead speed at impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a measurement system to capture actual shaft deflection data during the golfer's swing, then using this feedback information to determine the optimal shaft flex selection. The system provides closed-loop feedback between measured swing characteristics and shaft selection recommendations, ensuring optimized clubhead speed.
2Productivity
If shaft flex is selected without considering swing characteristics, then the selection process is quick, but ball flight properties are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses specific swing parameters (maximum shaft deflection phase, kick velocity, deflection magnitude) to precisely categorize golfers into swing groups, enabling accurate shaft flex selection. This parameter-based approach maintains selection efficiency while dramatically improving selection precision compared to traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous range of swing characteristics into discrete swing groups based on measured parameters. By categorizing golfers into specific groups (e.g., Group 1, Group 2, etc.), the system enables efficient lookup and recommendation while maintaining precise matching between swing characteristics and optimal shaft flex.
3Speed
If shaft deflection measurement is implemented, then clubhead speed optimization is achieved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system that captures shaft deflection characteristics during the swing. This intermediary device translates complex shaft behavior into measurable parameters (deflection magnitude, phase, kick velocity), making the measurement process manageable and the data usable for shaft selection.
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 method ensures the selection of a shaft flex that provides the greatest clubhead speed at impact by tailoring the flexibility to the golfer's swing characteristics, enhancing ball flight properties such as speed and spin.
Implementation Method 1
measuring in-swing-plane shaft deflection values of a golfer's golf club during the golfer's swing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are exemplary methods and systems for selecting a shaft flex for a golfer based on characteristics of the golfer's swing. Some exemplary methods comprise using measuring in-swing-plane shaft deflection values of a golfer's golf club during the golfer's swing, determining a phase of the golfer's swing when maximum in-swing-plane shaft deflection occurs; determining a kick velocity of the golfer's swing at impact with a golf ball; and selecting a shaft flex for the golfer based on the determined phase of the golfer's swing when maximum in-swing-plane shaft deflection occurs and based on the determined kick velocity of the golfer's swing at impact with a golf ball.