Enhanced Golf Club Heads via Advanced Additive Manufacturing
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel approach to golf club head design and manufacturing, leveraging advanced additive manufacturing techniques to create customized, high-performance golf clubs with optimized weight distribution, aerodynamics, and real-time feedback.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed systems and methods for additive manufacturing of golf clubs, but limitations in weight distribution, aerodynamics, and manufacturing consistency hindered its full potential. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced additive manufacturing techniques, real-time monitoring, and customized lattice structures to create superior golf club heads.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a system for additive manufacturing of golf club heads, utilizing a 3D printing apparatus, metal alloy material, and control system to achieve a predetermined weight distribution and moment of inertia. Additionally, a method for optimizing the performance of golf club heads produced via additive manufacturing involves analyzing aerodynamic properties and selectively modifying the lattice structure to improve airflow and reduce drag. Furthermore, the golf club head itself can be manufactured with a segmented lattice portion optimized for a specific golfer's swing profile, featuring a customized distribution of weight and stiffness. Real-time monitoring and adjustment of additive manufacturing parameters ensure consistent quality and performance. The golf club head can also be equipped with an integrated sensor system, tracking club head speed, spin rate, and impact location, and providing real-time feedback to the golfer.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces several novel features, including the use of advanced additive manufacturing techniques for customized weight distribution and aerodynamics, real-time monitoring and adjustment of manufacturing parameters, and integrated sensor systems for real-time feedback. These features are non-obvious and distinct from the original patent, offering significant improvements in golf club head design and manufacturing.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different metal alloys, lattice structures, or additive manufacturing techniques. Variations could also involve integrating the sensor system with wearable devices or mobile applications, providing golfers with a more comprehensive performance analysis.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced golf club heads via advanced additive manufacturing have significant commercial potential in the golf industry, targeting professional and amateur golfers seeking high-performance equipment. The real-time feedback and customized design capabilities also open up opportunities for golf instruction, training, and simulation applications.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B53/04 |
| B | B23 | B23K26/342 |
| B | B33 | B33Y40/20 |
| B | B33 | B33Y80/00 |
| A | A63 | A63B53/047 |
| A | A63 | A63B53/0412 |
| A | A63 | A63B53/0466 |
| A | A63 | A63B53/0487 |
| A | A63 | A63B53/08 |
| A | A63 | A63B2053/0491 |
| A | A63 | A63B2209/00 |
| B | B22 | B22F10/00 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Additive Manufacturing and Sports Equipment Design, specifically golf club head fabrication using 3D printing technologies. Requires expertise in materials science, mechanical engineering, and advanced manufacturing techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced engineering degree, experience in metal additive manufacturing, understanding of golf club design principles, and familiarity with computational modeling and sensor integration technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core additive manufacturing approach for golf club heads. The disclosed customization techniques, sensor integration, and manufacturing process optimizations are logical progressions of existing 3D printing methodologies applied to sports equipment design. These variations represent incremental improvements using known techniques within a predictable technological domain.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,848 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of a golf club |
| Assignee(s) | Cobra Golf Incorporated |