Golf Club Head Sole Channel for Perimeter Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf club heads face challenges in optimizing structural mass distribution, center of gravity, and moment of inertia, leading to suboptimal performance in forgiveness, ball speed, and adjustability, while maintaining durability and adhering to USGA regulations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a channel or slot in the sole of the golf club head for increased perimeter flexibility, adjustable mass pads and removable weights, and a bi-level sole construction to enhance discretionary mass distribution, thereby optimizing center of gravity and moment of inertia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If graphite composites are used to reduce structural mass, then discretionary mass is increased, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The golf club head combines graphite/epoxy composite materials with metal alloy components to create a hybrid structure. The graphite composite provides lightweight properties and discretionary mass, while the metal alloy components (such as the face plate and structural reinforcements) provide the necessary strength and durability. This composite approach allows optimization of both mass reduction and strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the golf club head are made from different materials based on local requirements. The face plate and areas requiring high strength are made from metal alloy, while other portions use graphite composite to reduce mass. This localized material selection ensures that strength is maintained where needed while maximizing discretionary mass elsewhere.
2Reliability
If mass is redistributed to optimize center of gravity and moment of inertia, then forgiveness is improved, but structural durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid composite construction allows mass to be strategically distributed throughout the club head to optimize center of gravity and moment of inertia for improved forgiveness. The combination of lightweight graphite and stronger metal components enables this mass redistribution while maintaining overall structural durability through the synergistic properties of the composite materials.
Solution Approach 2:
Material thickness and composition are varied locally throughout the club head structure. Areas requiring higher strength have increased thickness or metal reinforcement, while areas optimized for mass distribution use thinner graphite composite sections. This local quality variation enables both durability and optimized mass distribution for forgiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mass pads and removable weights are added, then adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mass adjustment system is segmented into separate, removable components (adjustable mass pads and removable weights) that can be independently added, removed, or repositioned. This segmentation allows users to customize the club head's mass distribution without redesigning the entire structure, providing adjustability while keeping the base design relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The mass distribution system is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Users can modify the club head's mass properties by adding or removing adjustable mass pads and removable weights at different locations, allowing the club to adapt to different player needs and preferences while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed golf club heads include a body defining an interior cavity, a face, a sole, a crown, a skirt, and a hosel. Some embodiments include one or more of a split mass pad and/or one or more weight ports positioned in a sole portion of the body. Additionally or alternatively, one or more mass pads or weight ports may be positioned adjacent to the periphery of the sole portion. Some embodiments further include an adjustable head-shaft connection assembly configured to adjustably couple the hosel to a golf club shaft.