Variable Thickness Golf Iron Face for Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing designs for iron type golf club heads struggle to balance distance maximization with durability, particularly in distributing stress across the striking face effectively due to the unique shape and impact location of iron type golf club heads.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a striking face with two regions of increased thickness: one near the centroid and another located away from the centroid, specifically at the midpoint of the full length scoreline and 15 mm above the ground plane, to enhance structural integrity and stress distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the thickness of the striking face is reduced to maximize coefficient of restitution and distance, then the flexibility and distance gain are improved, but the durability and resistance to mechanical failures such as plastic deformation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The striking face is designed with variable thickness where specific regions (including the impact area and peripheral regions) have increased thickness for durability, while other regions have reduced thickness to maximize flexibility and coefficient of restitution. This local differentiation allows the face to have both thin and thick areas, resolving the contradiction between distance gain and durability.
2Strength
If the striking face is thickened in regions experiencing high stresses to improve durability, then the resistance to plastic deformation is improved, but the overall flexibility and coefficient of restitution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The face plate incorporates multiple regions of varying thicknesses: a first impact area with first thickness, a second impact area with second thickness, and a peripheral region with third thickness. This allows high-stress regions to be thickened for strength while maintaining thin sections in other areas to preserve flexibility and coefficient of restitution.
3Strength
If a single thick-walled portion is incorporated in the back of the front face plate to address high stress, then the structural integrity at the impact location is improved, but the stress distribution across the entire striking face becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The striking face is segmented into multiple distinct regions (first impact area, second impact area, peripheral region), each with its own thickness optimization. This segmentation allows independent stress management in different zones, improving overall stress distribution across the entire face rather than concentrating structural reinforcement in a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the striking face are assigned different thicknesses based on their specific stress requirements: the impact areas have increased thickness for strength, while the peripheral regions have optimized thickness for overall stress distribution and flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A golf club head with improved striking face is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club head wherein the striking face portion has two regions of increased thickness to improve the performance of the golf club head.