Strain Gauge Swing Analyzer for Golf Shaft Kick Point Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf club shaft selecting systems require complex structures, such as high-speed cameras, to analyze swing characteristics and select a suitable kick point for golfers, making it difficult to simplify the analysis and selection process.
Innovation Solution
A swing analyzer with a toe down strain gauge and built-in processing unit that calculates an expected bending point value, along with a golf club shaft selecting system that uses this data to recommend a suitable kick point, flex, and shaft mass based on swing tempo and head speed, simplifying the selection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-speed camera or complex measurement systems are used to analyze swing characteristics and select kick point, then measurement precision and analysis accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex systems by using a simple strain gauge attached to the shaft. Instead of using high-speed cameras or multiple sensors, the invention focuses solely on measuring shaft deformation through strain gauges, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining measurement precision for kick point analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical measurement systems (high-speed cameras, multiple sensors) with a simple mechanical strain gauge system. The strain gauge directly measures shaft deformation through electrical resistance changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement apparatus while achieving accurate swing characteristic analysis.
2Measurement precision
If multiple shaft characteristics (mass, flex, kick point) are considered independently, then selection accuracy is improved, but difficulty of selection increases due to huge number of combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shaft selection process into two independent parts: (1) measuring actual shaft deformation during swing using strain gauges, and (2) comparing measured deformation with predetermined characteristics. This segmentation allows systematic evaluation of multiple characteristics (mass, flex, kick point) without overwhelming the user, as each characteristic can be independently measured and compared.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback by comparing the measured shaft deformation during swing with predetermined deformation characteristics stored in memory. The system provides feedback information about which shaft characteristics match the golfer's swing style, guiding the selection process and reducing the difficulty of choosing from multiple combinations.
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
Enables the selection of a shaft suitable for a golfer's swing characteristics with a simplified structure, providing accurate recommendations for kick point, flex, and shaft mass, improving the efficiency of the selection process.
Implementation Method 1
a toe down strain gauge provided on the shaft of the golf club and capable of measuring strain in toe down direction of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device includes a strain gauge, a processing unit calculating an expected bending point value corresponding to a bending point position, and a display unit capable of displaying an output value from the processing unit. The processing unit calculates the expected bending point value based on a measured value of strain gauge at a first time point during a swing of the user and a measured value of strain gauge at a second time point closer to an impact time point than the first time point. The processing unit stores in advance conversion data for converting the expected bending point value to recommended kick point output value indicating kick point, and the processing unit outputs the recommended kick point output value corresponding to the calculated expected bending point value to the display unit.