Tapered Grip Bore Design to Prevent Adhesive Stripping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing golf club grips often shift or rotate due to the sharp edges on the bore openings causing adhesive to be stripped during installation, leading to an insecure connection between the grip and the shaft.

Innovation Solution

A tapered grip design with a conical internal bore edge and a method of installing the grip using a conical tool to grind the sharp edge, followed by applying adhesive and solvent to ensure secure attachment without stripping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tight tolerance is used between the bore diameter and tape outer diameter to improve adhesion, then the adhesive effectiveness is improved, but the adhesive is stripped during installation due to sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive effectivenessVSAvoidadhesive stripping
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by removing the sharp edges (flashing) from the bore opening before installing the grip. This pre-processing step eliminates the harmful sharp edges that would otherwise strip the adhesive during installation, allowing the tight tolerance design to work effectively without causing adhesive loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful sharp edges created during manufacturing into a beneficial feature by deliberately creating a slight taper at the bore opening. This taper, while deviating from perfect cylindrical symmetry, actually helps guide the shaft into the bore and prevents adhesive stripping, transforming a manufacturing defect into a functional advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Ease of manufacture

If sharp edges are present on the bore opening to maintain manufacturing simplicity, then the manufacturing process is easier, but the adhesive is stripped during installation causing grip shifting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebore manufacturingVSAvoidgrip connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes sharp edges through a preliminary action (edge removal process) performed during or after bore manufacturing. This additional step eliminates the harmful effect of sharp edges on adhesive integrity while maintaining the overall simplicity of the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by modifying only the specific region where sharp edges exist (the bore opening) while leaving the rest of the bore and grip structure unchanged. This localized modification removes harmful sharp edges without requiring complete redesign or complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a tapered bore opening is created to prevent adhesive stripping, then adhesive integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive integrityVSAvoidbore geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a taper only at the opening region of the bore rather than throughout the entire bore length. This localized tapering maintains adhesive integrity where it is most needed (at the entrance) while minimizing the overall geometric complexity and manufacturing difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by creating a slight taper rather than a full conical bore. This partial modification is sufficient to prevent adhesive stripping and guide shaft insertion without requiring complete conical geometry, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 tapered grip design allows for secure adhesion of the grip to the shaft, preventing unwanted shifting and rotation, while simplifying the installation process and maintaining adhesive integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a conical tool to grind the sharp edge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

allows for greater adhesion between the grip and the handle or shaft of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12377327B2Tapered grip and method of installing a tapered grip
Publication Date: 2025.08.05 KARSTEN MFG CORP
  • US12377327B2 patent drawing
  • US12377327B2 patent drawing
  • US12377327B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a grip comprising an internal bore with an opening having an internal tapered edge. The grip can engage with a tool or a piece of sports equipment. Further disclosed herein is a method of installing a grip onto a tool or piece of sports equipment, including providing a grip having a tubular body; grinding an open first end of the body, wherein the open first end comprises a greatest diameter closest to the exterior of the bore and tapers internally at an angle towards the interior of the bore; providing a shaft or handle; applying an adhesive to a top portion of the handle; sliding the handle into the grip bore until the shaft contacts the a capped second end of the grip; and coupling a surface of the bore to the handle by allowing the adhesive to dry.