Stepped Sole Golf Iron with Chromium Coating for Turf Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf club sole designs fail to optimize turf contact and divot taking, leading to variations in ball flight and harsh impact felt by golfers due to inadequate mass properties and friction issues during the swing.
Innovation Solution
An iron-type golf club head with a stainless steel body featuring a rearward-extending sole with a stepped surface and minimal radius face-to-sole transition, combined with a thin dense chromium coating to reduce surface friction and improve mass distribution, aesthetics, and turf interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the club head contacts the turf before the ball during the down swing, then the club can achieve proper divot taking and ball orientation, but the ball speed and spin are diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the sole geometry parameters - specifically creating a stepped sole configuration where the central portion extends further forward than the toe and heel portions. This geometric parameter change allows the club to maintain reliable divot taking while minimizing the negative impact on ball speed and spin by optimizing the contact sequence and duration with the turf.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a sole design that dynamically adapts to different swing conditions. The stepped configuration with varying sole lengths at different positions allows the club to automatically adjust its turf interaction based on the swing path and impact conditions, maintaining optimal performance across varying golfer techniques and shot types.
2Reliability
If the club head impacts the turf harshly during downward hit, then proper divot taking occurs, but the impact is felt as harsh by the golfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different sole characteristics at different locations. The stepped sole design provides a longer central portion for effective turf contact and divot taking, while the shortened toe and heel portions reduce the area that contacts the turf during impact. This localized differentiation allows effective divot taking while reducing the harshness felt by the golfer by minimizing impact on the toe and heel regions.
3Reliability
If the sole is designed to optimize turf contact, then divot taking improves, but the mass properties and friction characteristics become inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the mass distribution parameters of the club head. The stepped sole configuration is integrated with specific weight distribution and center of gravity positioning parameters that ensure adequate mass properties. This allows the sole to effectively interact with the turf for improved divot taking while maintaining proper mass distribution for stable and controlled ball striking.
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 solution minimizes impact variations, enhances ball flight consistency, reduces turf friction, and provides a more forgiving and aesthetically pleasing club head design that maintains energy transfer and spin during ball contact.
Implementation Method 1
a thin dense chromium coating to reduce surface friction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an iron-type golf club head in which the sole portion has a main surface and a stepped surface. Further, the sole portion comprises a chromium coating. The invention creates a unique combination of head shape and surface friction coefficients that minimize the bad effects of turf impact.