Stretchable Strap Golf Swing Aid for Elbow Positioning

Solution Overview

Problem

Golfers face challenges in developing a proper golf swing due to inadequate training aids that restrict natural movement, fail to improve mechanics, and are not easily removable during actual gameplay, leading to inconsistent practice and potential incorporation of bad habits.

Innovation Solution

A golf swing aid apparatus featuring a stretchable strap that pulls the trailing elbow downward during the downswing, releasing before impact to allow natural follow-through, and can be easily attached and removed, allowing for consistent practice and transition between training and actual gameplay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a towel is held under the armpit to keep the trailing elbow against the torso, then the elbow positioning is improved, but the movement becomes unnatural and restrictive during the upswing and backswing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelbow positioningVSAvoidnatural movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic band provides dynamic, phase-dependent guidance: during the downswing it pulls the trailing elbow toward the torso to maintain proper positioning, while during the upswing and backswing it allows natural free movement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining precise elbow positioning and preserving natural movement throughout the entire swing cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic band changes its mechanical parameter (tension state) based on the swing phase. When stretched during the downswing, it actively guides the elbow; when relaxed during the upswing, it permits natural movement. This parameter change allows the system to satisfy both contradictory requirements at different times in the swing cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If training aids are used to improve swing mechanics, then the swing technique is improved, but the aids cannot be easily removed during actual gameplay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswing mechanicsVSAvoidremovability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic band is designed to be easily removed and reapplied. After use during training or actual play, the band can be quickly discarded from the body and recovered for the next training session. This easy discard-and-recover capability resolves the contradiction between providing mechanical guidance and allowing easy removal for actual gameplay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Manufacturing precision

If training aids restrict movement to improve mechanics, then the swing technique is improved, but the aids are not usable during actual gameplay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswing mechanicsVSAvoidusability during gameplay

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic band provides dynamic, phase-dependent guidance: during the downswing it pulls the trailing elbow toward the torso to maintain proper positioning, while during the upswing and backswing it allows natural free movement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining precise elbow positioning and preserving natural movement throughout the entire swing cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic band changes its mechanical parameter (tension state) based on the swing phase. When stretched during the downswing, it actively guides the elbow; when relaxed during the upswing, it permits natural movement. This parameter change allows the system to satisfy both contradictory requirements at different times in the swing cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus effectively improves golf swing mechanics by ensuring proper elbow positioning during the downswing, allowing free movement on the upswing, and enables consistent practice, leading to improved muscle memory and golf performance.

Implementation Method 1

a stretchable strap that pulls a golfer's trailing elbow downward towards his or her torso at the same time that golfer shifts his or her weight to the leading foot during a golf downswing. The stretchable strap continues pulling the golfer's trailing elbow towards his or her torso until or just before he or she strikes the golf ball, and then releases so that the golfer is free to follow through without impairment from the stretchable strap.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10610756B2Golf swing aid apparatus and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 MCGRAIL DANIEL

AI summary

A golf swing aid apparatus comprises a stretchable strap that pulls a golfer's trailing elbow downward towards his or her torso during a golf downswing. The stretchable strap continues pulling the golfer's trailing elbow towards his or her torso until he or she strikes the golf ball, and then releases so that the golfer is free to follow through without impairment from the stretchable strap.