CN100337707C - Method and apparatus for measuring and positioning golf club shaft - Google Patents

Abstract

By measuring the vibration (20, 21) of the golf club shaft (110) when the pulse is applied, a preferred orientation or planar vibration plane of the shaft (110) is determined. Preferably, out-of-plane vibration is measured at a large number of angular positions about the shaft (110) axis, and the principal planar vibration plane is identified by the pair of relative angular positions at which the out-of-plane vibration is minimal. The position of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft (110) and used to fit the golf club having the planar vibration face in a predetermined orientation. The straightness of the shaft (110) can also be determined by deriving its spring constant from its vibration frequency and then measuring the restoring force of the shaft when it is deflected by the same nominal amount at different angular positions; the difference in recovery forces can be considered to be the result of the difference in actual deflection distance caused by the difference in straightness.

Description

Measure the also method and apparatus of orienting golf club shaft

The present invention be propose November 9 calendar year 2001, name is called the dividing an application of application for a patent for invention No.01821553.X of the method and apparatus of orienting golf club shaft " measure and ".

Technical field

The present invention relates to the measurement and the location of golf ball bar body.The invention particularly relates to a kind of like this method and apparatus, promptly, its plane vibration face (Planar oscillation plane) that is used for discerning automatically and reliably golf ball bar body is the position of principal plane vibration plane especially, make this plane vibration face in the alignment of the orientation of expectation, and the parameter of the sign golf clubs performance of definite golf ball bar body is such as circularity, rigidity and linearity.

Background technology

When the people who plays golf brandished golf clubs, the crooked or distortion of the shaft of golf clubs meeting was especially in process down swing.Shaft direction crooked or distortion depends on how the people who plays golf loads or quicken club, but the rigidity that bending or the direction of twisting and amplitude also depend on shaft.If shaft is soft, it is just easier of stiff rod crooked or distortion in known process down swing.In addition, if shaft has different lateral stiffnesses in different planes, promptly the rigidity of shaft, circularity and linearity are asymmetric, and shaft will the crooked to some extent or distortion according to the plane (direction) of its load.

Just before the bar head putt of golf clubs, the shaft of golf clubs will be on the top/and following direction (perpendicular to the plane of direction of stroke) and guiding/hysteresis direction (plane that is parallel to direction of stroke) experience tangible oscillating movement.Studies show that, the shaft of golf clubs before being about to putt on the top/below vibration up and down.This is called moving up and down of " vertical shift vibration ", " vertical deflection vibration " or " tilt and vibration " and can reaches ± 1.5 inches (± 3.8cm).Inconsistent bending or distortion make that the people play golf is more difficult and reproduce the crooked or distortion of brandishing shaft downwards between club, thereby it is repeated to produce inconsistent batting in full set of clubs.Because for the people who plays golf, any inconsistent bending or distortion that is caused by the asymmetric shaft behavior before the batting soon can not be proofreaied and correct by his or her swinging basically, any minimizing that is about to the preceding above-mentioned vibration of batting will help the people who plays golf to improve his or her batting repeatability, thereby improve performance.This people for all levels of skill that play golf proves effective.

In addition, before being about to batting, Gao Er ball club " spring " forward on the direction of hitting.This is commonly referred to as shaft " rebound ".If can adopt the rebound direction of vibration is that shaft is analyzed and located to stable manner, the ability that the people who plays golf repeats batter's box has just been improved in this shaft position.In other words, shaft seldom can be before being about to batting about " swing ", thereby improved bat repeated.

Inconsistent bending or distortion influence the motion of bar head, if shaft is symmetrical fully, it will not exist.The shaft that the manufacturer of golf ball bar body attempts manufacturing rigidity symmetry farthest reduces inconsistent bending or distortion in the swinging process, but owing to the limitation of making, is difficult to make the golf ball bar body of complete symmetry.Specifically, well-known, because the scrambling or the variation of material or manufacturing process, golf ball bar body has preferred angular range.For example, claim golf ball bar body to have " ridge projections (spine) " sometimes, its orientation is tangible (see United States Patent (USP) 4958834 and 5040279, its full content is incorporated into by reference at this).Therefore, all basically golf ball bar bodies all have asymmetry to a certain degree, and it has produced inconsistent bending or distortion to a certain extent in swinging process.

The asymmetry of golf ball bar body may be due to cross section asymmetric (the shaft cross section is not round or wall unevenness is even), shaft is straight or material property shaft changes around the shaft cross-sectional circumferential.Because can not make the golf ball bar body of symmetry fully basically, and purpose is farthest to reduce the inconsistency between the club and the cover of a trade mark and the inconsistency between the cover in the set of golf clubs, as possible, each golf clubs in the set of golf clubs be can analyze and its asymmetric bending or distortion performance understood, and the uniformity that the golf clubs in the cover is formed between the club of a cover and the club and between the cover of a trade mark and cover, has maximum.

For example in the United States Patent (USP) of introducing in the above 5040279, have recognized that, although all basically golf ball bar bodies have asymmetry to a certain degree, but each golf ball bar body all has at least one orientation basically, wherein, when shaft was sandwiched in its near-end or handle end and moves on the top, the final vibration of shaft will be still basically planar.That is to say that shaft still is located substantially in the single plane, and the top of shaft will vibrate back and forth along a line basically.

Also recognize in the United States Patent (USP) of introducing in the above 4958834, compare with cover golf clubs irregular or random structure, in process down swing, the structure that is arranged in all golf clubs of a cover will demonstrate: shaft inconsistency crooked or distortion wants littler, and wherein their plane vibration faces (" POPs ") separately are oriented on the identical angular direction with respect to its corresponding pole face.Especially, aim at if the preferred angle orientation of each golf ball bar body correspondence goes up at " direction of stroke ", promptly be substantially perpendicular to corresponding golf pole face, set of golf clubs just can be operated bestly usually so.

But, still do not have any automation mode easily so far and come uniformity ground to determine the parameter of golf ball bar body, it allows manufacturer or other people to predict the performance of golf ball bar body.The U.S. Patent application 09/494525 of common pending trial, transfer shows a kind of method and apparatus of preferred angle orientation of definite golf ball bar body, this method and apparatus part is by manually carrying out, and rely on a kind of iterative method to come when identification plane vibration face, to discern the plane vibration face that is different from the principal plane vibration plane, wherein, the applying date of this application is on February 1st, 2000, and its full content is incorporated into by reference at this.Wish to provide a kind of method and apparatus of determining the preferred angle orientation of golf ball bar body fast and reliably.Also wishing to provide a kind of like this method and apparatus, that is, use definite result in preferred angle orientation to assemble golf clubs automatically, and wherein each golf ball bar body is all aimed at respect to the pole face of correspondence is consistent.The parameter of also wishing to determine golf ball bar body is predicted the performance of golf clubs.

Summary of the invention

One object of the present invention is to provide a kind of method and apparatus of determining the preferred angle orientation of golf ball bar body fast and reliably.

Another object of the present invention be to provide a kind of definite result who uses the preferred angle orientation for example the plane vibration face especially the principal plane vibration plane assemble the method and apparatus of golf clubs (manually or automatically), wherein each golf ball bar body is aimed at respect to the pole face of correspondence is consistent.

Also purpose of the present invention is to determine that the parameter of golf ball bar body predicts the performance of golf clubs.

According to the present invention, the method for a kind of definite golf ball bar body around the preferred angle orientation of its longitudinal axis is provided, wherein golf ball bar body has near-end and far-end that is fixed on the golf driver head that people that a quilt plays golf grips.According to this method, the near-end of described golf ball bar body maintains static, and the far-end of golf ball bar body be not parallel to begin on the direction of the longitudinal axis vibration.Analyze vibration, and from the vibration of analyzing, calculate preferred angular range.Then mark, thereby mark preferred angular range to golf ball bar body.In other method of the present invention, the mark that marks the preferred angle orientation on the shaft can be used for manually or automatically assembling golf clubs, and wherein golf ball bar body becomes a predetermined straight line with respect to the golf club women's head-ornaments.

Definite preferred angle orientation also is provided and has assembled the device of golf clubs.

In particularly preferred method and apparatus,, analyze the vibration of golf ball bar body on the position, a plurality of angle of the shaft longitudinal axis.Positional number is many more, and the plane vibration face especially detection of principal plane vibration plane is just accurate more.In addition, on each position, can determine the vibration frequency of shaft, it is to measure measuring of shaft rigidity.In addition, if shaft from its longitudinal axis deflection, then by measure the restoring force opposite with deflection and the amount of deflection of shaft on each position, angle, we just can determine the linearity of shaft, perhaps the not straight degree of shaft more precisely.Circularity, linearity and rigidity are the parameters that characterizes the golf ball bar body performance, and shaft manufacturers have found the method for accurately determining these parameters.

Description of drawings

Detailed explanation below reading in conjunction with the drawings will be found out above and other objects of the present invention and advantage significantly, and identical reference symbol refers to identical parts among the figure, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the view that pliable and tough golf ball bar body is modeled as the material that is fixed with spring;

Fig. 2 show in transport pulse so that after the shaft vibration through two vibration cycles, from level and the vertical displacement of Fig. 1 shaft of end points observation as the function of time;

Fig. 3 shows the phasor of Fig. 2 motion;

Fig. 4 shows the phasor of 14 shaft motions after the vibration cycles;

Fig. 5 shows the motion among Fig. 4, but as the function of time;

Fig. 6 is the perspective view of apparatus of the present invention first preferred embodiment, and this device is used for determining the preferential direction of golf ball bar body;

Fig. 7 is the perspective view of Fig. 6 device shaft test suite;

Fig. 8 is the perspective view of the fixing and runner assembly of the shafts of Fig. 6 and 7 devices;

Fig. 9 is the perspective view of the measurement assembly of Fig. 6-8 device;

Figure 10 is the top material of Fig. 6-9 device and the perspective view of sensor cluster;

Figure 11 is similar to Fig. 7, golf ball bar body is installed in view in the device;

Figure 12 is the front view along Figure 11 line 12-12, but according to the present invention, the golf ball bar body of deflection is prepared vibration;

Figure 13 is the perspective view of Fig. 6-10 device that comprises marker assemblies;

Figure 14 is the flow chart of the present invention's one method preferred embodiment, and this method is used for making the preferential direction of golf ball bar body;

Figure 15 is the flow chart of the load test carried out as the part of Figure 14 method according to the present invention;

Figure 16 is the flow chart of " sign upwards " comparative test of carrying out as the part of Figure 14 method according to the present invention;

Figure 17 is the flow chart of the plane vibration face location test carried out as the part of Figure 14 method according to the present invention;

Figure 18 is the perspective view of apparatus of the present invention second preferred embodiment, and this device is used for determining the preferential direction of golf ball bar body;

Figure 19 is the side view of the measurement assembly of Figure 18 device;

Figure 20 is the end-view that Figure 19 measures assembly;

Figure 21 is the outer acceleration of the largest face as the corner function on shaft top when adopting the device of Figure 18 to measure or the coordinate diagram of displacement (out-of-plane acceleration or displacement);

Figure 22 is the coordinate diagram of deviation that runs through the longitudinal axis at shaft butt end center when adopting the device of Figure 18 to measure, as top centre distance angle function, typical golf ball bar body;

Figure 23 is the view that the present invention assembles golf club device;

Figure 24 is the close up view of Figure 23 device station;

Figure 25 is the sample of printout of the test result of the independent shaft of explanation;

Figure 26 is the perspective view of a replaceable preferred embodiment of top of the present invention material assembly;

Figure 27 is the diagrammatic elevation view of Figure 26 top material assembly, and it is installed on the top of golf ball bar body, is positioned on the resting position of apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 28 is similar to Figure 27, the diagrammatic elevation view of Figure 26 top material assembly, and it is installed on the top of golf ball bar body, is positioned on the shift position of apparatus of the present invention.

The specific embodiment

If golf ball bar body maintains static at its handle end, and move on perpendicular to the direction of its longitudinal axis, if this moving direction is positioned at the plane vibration face of shaft so, shaft will be in this plane internal vibration, from the termination eyes front, the far-end of shaft will vibrate back and forth along a line.For simplicity, this line is called the x axis.But, if moving direction is positioned at the plane that is different from the plane vibration face, the far-end of shaft will for simplicity, be called the y axis with this axis perpendicular to the x axis to have along the component of x axis and along the motion oscillations perpendicular to the component of the axis of x axis.This motion can be described to " track " motion, although its track is different from single ellipse or other closed curve, will move in an enveloping surface in the top, like this, if motion can not weaken (in fact can weaken), just expect that the top is finally mobile by each point in this enveloping surface.

As described below, by observing the top vibration of shaft, we can calculate the orientation of one or more plane vibration faces by mathematical method.One or more plane vibration faces of having good positioning when, we can assemble golf clubs, locate to shaft with respect to golf driver head, like this plane vibration face especially the principal plane vibration plane just along " batting " direction to directly, that is, be substantially perpendicular to the striking surface of bar head or become 180 ° with respect to this direction.When the plane vibration face of the golf ball bar body of having good positioning, can also be not along direction of stroke with respect to glof club head this plane vibration face that aligns, but along another predetermined direction.

For example, wish to proofread and correct or guide hook or Slice for the specific people who plays golf aims at shaft.Like this, for the golf clubs of the right hand, be guiding hook or correction Slice, we will rotate counterclockwise shaft (looking down shaft towards the bar head), and are guiding Slice or correction hook, and we will clockwise rotate shaft.For the golf clubs of left hand, the direction of rotation will be conversely.Amount of spin is preferably less than about 90 °.

Empirical observation arrives, and the golf ball bar body operation time just looks like along any plane vibration plane in one direction than along this plane vibration face " firmly " on opposite direction." firmly " side of this shaft plane vibration face can be called as " firmly " or " preceding " side of plane vibration face, and hard relatively side becomes not hard side of 180 ° can be called as " soft " or " back " side of plane vibration face.Also observe, compare, come the plane of orientation vibration plane can produce different results perpendicular to club head face with accidental or random arrangement.Also further observe, aim at the hard side of the plane vibration face that faces club head face, can produce and be different from the result who the plane vibration face is aimed at perpendicular to club head face with the soft side of the plane vibration face that faces club head face by make the plane vibration face perpendicular to club head face.And, if every golf clubs in the set of golf clubs is aimed at equally, just make the user of these clubs on this overlaps all clubs in the golf clubs, realize the more result of uniformity probably, this can be supposed to be used for strengthening the property.

In addition, empirical observation arrives, and a golf ball bar body can have several plane vibration faces.But, find to have only a principal plane vibration plane (" POPP "), it also can be known as even repeated plane (" PURE ").The golf clubs of aiming at according to the principal plane vibration plane optimum performance that can be supposed to be used for strengthening.

Although it is can adopt mathematical method, more simple in calculating by following iterative method derivation orientation according to accurately deriving the orientation of one or more plane vibration faces by mobile shaft top and the data that allow shaft vibration to collect.Vibrate by adopting, thereby on each orientation, measure the device of top vibration, can carry out the calculating of iterative method at a plurality of angular range guiding golf ball bar bodies.This device can partially manually be operated because shaft by hand rotation on the new orientation that is used for measuring, perhaps can use this device like this, promptly after formerly measurement is finished in the position, make shaft turn to subsequently each position automatically.If the rotation of shaft is to automatically perform, this device just can be operated quickly, thereby allows to measure golf ball bar body on more angular range, and this can be supposed to be used for determine more accurately the principal plane vibration plane.

The preferred orientations of plane vibration face, promptly " firmly " side of the golf ball bar body under the principal plane vibration plane situation can not only adopt mathematical method to determine by the shaft top is observed.Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle or the butt end of golf ball bar body maintain static, and move perpendicular to the longitudinal axis on the top of shaft, and when handle end rotates about at least 360 °, measure restoring force at shaft, promptly will make the top turn back to its not power of active position.Restoring force has been represented the hard side of shaft for maximum angle.Although this angle usually can be not accurately and the alignment of orientation of principal plane vibration plane, it can be expressed, and two of the principal plane vibration plane in may orientation which are corresponding with the hard side of principal plane vibration plane.And, on the angle of maximum load, beginning to analyze, the meeting let us finds in principal plane vibration plane rather than other plane vibration face of shaft.This point is especially proved effective in such an embodiment,, only measures the vibration of shaft on few relatively position, angle, such as above-mentioned partially manual embodiment that is.It is important that initial position does not seem in such embodiments, that is, measure on many relatively positions, angle, such as above-mentioned golf ball bar body automatic embodiment that rotates between the position.All can optionally select initial orientation under two kinds of situations.

In case determine the preferred angle orientation of golf ball bar body, just preferably making one or more marks on shaft represents preferred angular range.These one or more marks can be made on the position of plane vibration face, or make on a predetermined relative positions with respect to the plane vibration face.Each mark all can use printing ink or japanning to make, and maybe can use other technology to etch in the surface of shaft the label that maybe can mark (for example labeling or decalcomania) such as machinery, static or laser labelling technology.In case performed one or more marks, just can use them to aim at shaft with respect to golf driver head when the assembling golf clubs, the plane vibration face of golf ball bar body mark just is substantially perpendicular to club head face or is on other desirable orientation like this.

Shaft with respect to the bar head to will definitely manually carrying out.Preferably, by also being provided on the bar head, can easily aim at mark, can come alignment rods mark on one's body with respect to the position on Hose, hosel (hosel) or the hole or near their position, thereby form the golf clubs of suitable " carinate aligning (spine-aligned) ".Perhaps, in another preferred embodiment, adopt an assembly machine that golf driver head is matched with golf ball bar body, thereby alignment mark is matched.In this embodiment, golf driver head can be fixed on the shaft after the preferred angle orientation of just determining shaft, the chuck that shaft still is arranged in plane vibration face localizer station (in this case, can not be used in the shaft outside and apply visable indicia, although it is useful for the repair operation of subsequently dismounting club).Perhaps, in the another remodeling of this embodiment, shaft can take off and move to the club station from plane vibration face localizer station.This remodeling has considered that better the arbitrary speed between plane vibration face position fixing process and the club assembling process is poor.If plane vibration face position fixing process is faster than club assembling process, the club station of Duoing than plane vibration face localizer station just can be set.If the club assembling process, just can be provided with the plane vibration face localizer station of Duoing than the club station faster than plane vibration face position fixing process.All preferably provide a hopper or other intermediate station to come the carinate shaft of aiming at of maintenance between plane vibration face localizer station and club station under two kinds of situations.Usually, we can wish to keep less shaft in hopper, if but had some reasons that fracture or other bottleneck appear in one or more club station places or downstream, hopper just can be used as the container of admitting shafts from one or more plane vibration face localizer stations, till it has been expired.

Except the plane vibration face location that makes golf ball bar body, no matter be that existing golf clubs is aimed at again or new golf clubs is assembled, the present invention is the foregoing description especially, wherein thereby shaft turns to another position, angle automatically and measures and allow to measure in more position, angle from position, an angle, the ability of measuring the certain characteristic of shaft is provided, and these characteristics can be used for monitoring the shaft manufacture process and the quality of the shaft that obtains at last.These measurement results provide the Quality Identification standard can for the manufacturing of golf shaft.

Specifically, on each position, angle, when shaft deflection and permission vibration, can measure the vibration frequency of shaft.By calculation times in the fixed time interval of passing through a fixing point at the shaft that vibrates, just can accomplish this point simply.A kind of mode of carrying out this computing function is, a light source and a photodetector are provided, and fixed time that the shaft that the light beam of light source is vibrated disconnects at interval in calculation times.In a kind of interchangeable method for optimizing, can in particular time interval, calculate vibration by accelerometer data (seeing below) record.

In case determined the characteristic oscillation frequency, just can be by shaft to be regarded as quality be the prismatic ellbeam of M and utilize relational expression f ≈ (K/M) ^0.5Derive the spring constant that spring constant k estimates shaft by frequency f, it is to measure measuring of shaft rigidity.So the k value that the rigidity of shaft just can each angle is a feature, all parameter values all will be discussed in more detail below.

On each position, angle, also can carry out load test like this, that is, make shaft, and measure the restoring force F that produces perpendicular to its longitudinal axis deflection one fixed range d.From power F and above definite spring constant k, we can utilize relational expression F/k=d+ δ to determine deviation δ, it is to measure measuring of shaft linearity.So the δ value that the linearity of shaft just can each angle is a feature, all parameter values all will be discussed in more detail below.

Present invention is described now with reference to Fig. 1-2 4.

Live in the anchor clamps of shaft if the handle end of golf ball bar body is clipped in horizontal fixed, see towards the top of shaft far-end then, just can simulate the rigidity of shaft, as shown in Figure 1.As seeing from Fig. 1, shaft 10 can be considered to a material m, has different spring constant k ₁And k ₂Two springs on two directions of different surperficial 11,12 quadratures, be connected with this material with two.If shaft 10 has rigidity, k symmetrically ₁And k ₂Can equate.But, common k ₁And k ₂Be different.In fact,, and measure level and vertical restoring force at every turn, will obtain k if we clamp shaft on several different orientation ₁And K ₂Different class values.As shown in the figure, power F is applied in to be used for making the top of nipped shaft 10 to move, and for example makes the power of its vibration.

The function curve that the nominal level that Fig. 2 shows the 10 vibration tops of shaft in two vibration cycles and vertical displacement were become with the time, wherein horizontal displacement (x) is by solid line 20 expressions, and vertical displacement (y) supposes that by dotted line 21 expressions initial movable power is from the horizontal by θ=40 ° angle.Fig. 3 shows the displacement identical with phase Figure 30 in two circulations in the x and y direction of shaft 10 tops, that is, Fig. 3 show by the observer towards handle end see, two circulations in path that the top is walked during along the axial spotting top of shaft 10.Fig. 4 shows 14 phase Figure 40 after the circulation.By being made, these observed motions analyze the position that obtains the plane vibration face, it is the angular range of shaft 10, if wherein apply initial movable power F along this orientation, shaft 10 will be basically only along this orientation vibration, and the top vibrates back and forth along straight line basically.

As shown in Figure 4, tip motions phase Figure 40 after enough a plurality of circulations is essentially a rectangle.The orientation of plane vibration face is in two vertical axis of this rectangle, and each axis of rectangle is restricted to a line in the centre position of an opposite side that is positioned at the rectangle correspondence, and is parallel to an opposite side of corresponding rectangle.Being under the situation of rectangle really, be enough to determine the orientation on limit, because according to the definition of just having been done, the orientation of limit and axis is identical.But, if phase Figure 40 of the tip motions of golf ball bar body can not be real rectangle, unless we observe unlimited a plurality of circulation, but this is unpractical, at first, commercial will not acceptance, secondly, the vibration of golf ball bar body had just weakened before observing a real rectangle usually.Therefore, the straight line of drawing from the accurate rectangle of phasor four summits by supposition is the diagonal of rectangle, can calculate the orientation of each axis in the two axial lines.

Since found the two axial lines of rectangle, just wish to determine which bar is and the corresponding long axis of principal plane vibration plane, which bar is a minor axis, just determines in one or more unstable plane vibration faces.This can be by coming along this two axial lines measuring vibrations frequency strictly to determine, as following to describe.If make shaft along a definite direction vibration, just expect that long axis is corresponding with the principal plane vibration plane, this direction is by measuring relevant with the angle load of deflecting bar and the angle Selection of maximum load is definite for the direction that will make the shaft vibration on one's body.It should be noted, should " load test " can carry out like this, that is, clamp the top or the far-end of shaft, or handle or near-end, and measure and the not relevant load of folder end deflection angle.But, the later step that makes plane vibration face location is preferably clamped handle or near-end and is carried out, so load test is also preferably carried out in this mode.Should also be noted that we can find a plane vibration face if do not carry out load test, but this plane vibration face may not can be the principal plane vibration plane.

Fig. 5 shows the top oscillating curve 50 as the function of time, and the independent track 51 of vibration is along level (x) shaft centerline measurement, and the independent track 52 of vibration is along vertical (y) shaft centerline measurement.From these tracks, can for example determine frequency by calculating the forward zero cross point with chart.But, these levels and vertical axis x and y depart from angle of determining as mentioned above of plane vibration face.If this angle is expressed as θ, the definite frequency of curve from Fig. 5 can be converted into the coordinate system of golf ball bar body along these axis x and y, this coordinate system has axis x ' and y ', its with a stability plane vibration plane and one or more unstable plane vibration face in one corresponding, as described below, f ₁Be the frequency with the angled θ of x axis, promptly along x ' axis, and f ₂Be the frequency with the angled θ of y axis (become θ+90 °), promptly along y ' axis with the x axis.

${\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="f"\; filenames="C20051009991800431.png,C20051009991800441.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}_1=\left|\frac{f_x{f}_y{(-{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="f\; y"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}_y^{}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="cos"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">cos</figure-callout>}}^2\mathrm{\&theta;}+{2\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="f\; y"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}_y^{}{\cos }^4\mathrm{\&theta;}-{3f}_x^2{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="cos"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">cos</figure-callout>}}^2\mathrm{\&theta;}+{2f}_x^2{\cos }^4\mathrm{\&theta;})}^{0.5}}{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="f\; y"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}_y^{}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="cos"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">cos</figure-callout>}}^2\mathrm{\&theta;}+f_x^2{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="cos"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">cos</figure-callout>}}^2\mathrm{\&theta;}-{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="f\; x"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}_x^{}}\right|$

${\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="f"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}_2=\left|\frac{f_x{f}_y{(f_y^2-{3\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="f\; y"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}_y^{}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="cos"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">cos</figure-callout>}}^2\mathrm{\&theta;}+{2\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="f\; y"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}_y^{}{\cos }^4\mathrm{\&theta;}-{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="f\; x"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}_x^{}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="cos"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">cos</figure-callout>}}^2\mathrm{\&theta;}+{2f}_x^2{\cos }^4\mathrm{\&theta;})}^{0.5}}{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="f\; y"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}_y^{}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="cos"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">cos</figure-callout>}}^2\mathrm{\&theta;}+f_x^2{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="cos"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">cos</figure-callout>}}^2\mathrm{\&theta;}-{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="f\; x"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}_x^{}}\right|$

If f ₁Greater than f ₂, the stability plane vibration plane of one of them golf ball bar body is just with respect to the angled θ of x axis.If f ₁Less than f ₂, the stability plane vibration plane of one of them golf ball bar body is just with respect to the angled θ of y axis, promptly with respect to the angled θ of x axis+90 °.If the initial angle of vibration has been carried out and be used for determining to load test, so the stability plane vibration plane of location just can become the principal plane vibration plane.

Accurately, it does not comprise that all can influence the parameter of shaft vibration although the mathematical method that this plane vibration face that is used for determining which has been discerned is the principal plane vibration plane is strict.Therefore, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, more detailed description as mentioned above and below, the position of principal plane vibration plane are by determining to come with respect to the first approximation location to the orientation of the maximum resistance direction of golf ball bar body bending, promptly being positioned at least in the correct quadrant.This has just brought the advantage of quick identification principal plane vibration plane " firmly " side extraly, as mentioned above.

First preferred embodiment of realizing device 60 of the present invention has been shown among Fig. 6-13.Can adopt above-mentioned strict mathematical method although install 60, it has determined that in practice a kind of following better simply iterative method realizes acceptable result at lower cost.Therefore, in particularly preferred embodiment, device 60 has adopted this simpler method.

In the preferred embodiment, device 60 comprises shaft verifying attachment 70 and processor 61.Processor 61 can be any such system, that is, can handle from the sensor 74 of shaft verifying attachment 70 and 77 input data, and carry out above-mentioned strict mathematical computations or following simple iterative computation.As shown in Figure 6, processor 61 is preferably an all-purpose computer such as personal computer, and it for example adopts the Pentium that can obtain from Santa Clara city Intel company ^That central processing unit (CPU) 62, operation can obtain from Redmond city Microsoft, with the WINDOWS of following software programming ^Operating system version.But, processor 61 is the PLD of hard-wired circuit or one or more programmings also, plays the necessary function of one or more plane vibration faces of orienting golf club shaft.Under any circumstance, processor 61 preferably also comprises the interface of memory 63 and mass storage 64 and following sensor.

Shaft verifying attachment 70 preferably includes an elongated base 71, and it is the same with golf ball bar body at least long.One end of this base 71 is one and measures assembly 72, comprises a yoke assembly 73 and a deflection load cell 74.The other end of base 71 is the fixing and runner assemblies 75 of a shaft, comprises a rotatable chuck 76 that is used for fixing golf ball bar body.Device 60 also comprises a top material and sensor cluster 77, and it is cooperated on the far-end that is installed in golf ball bar body during the detection golf ball bar body and with yoke assembly 73 mutually.

As shown in Figure 8, the fixing and runner assembly 75 of shaft preferably includes rotating chuck 76, and it is conventional type preferably, preferably fixes golf ball bar body by apply radially inner power basically equably around the shaft circumference.Chuck 76 preferably is installed in the end of axle 80, and described axle 80 preferably is bearing in the bearing 81 by axle journal.Bearing 81 preferably is installed on the support 82, and axle 80 pivot center like this comprises chuck 76 and the prolongation of the golf ball bar body that detects, is on the predetermined altitude on the base 71.Axle 80 end away from chuck 76 preferably is connected on the potentiometer 84 by universal joint 83, and this potentiometer is used as following angular position pick up.Universal joint 83 prevents that any small misalignment between the axle of the axis of axle 80 and potentiometer 84 from damaging potentiometer 84.Equally, a travelling nut 85 preferably is arranged on the axle 80, to come the rotation of restrictive axes 80 as a rotational stop, and may be thereby prevent by the infringement of potentiometer 84 inordinate rotation generation.A motor 86 optionally is set chuck 76 is rotated, although but also hand rotation.Vibration when in addition, clamping plate 87 preferably being set farthest reducing chuck 76 and rotate.Clamping plate 87 preferably provide the frictional fit with chuck 76, just gently to being enough to allow chuck 76 to rotate.Screw 88 can be provided for regulating the pawl of clamping plate 87.

As shown in Figure 9, measure assembly 72 and comprise a packaged bedplate 90 on base 71.A load cell 91 is installed on the bedplate 90, described load cell 91 is such as the model LCAE-2KG that can obtain from the Omega Engineering Co., Ltd in Connecticut State Stamford city, shaft top restricted arm 92 is installed on the load cell 91 on the side relative with bedplate 90, to be used for below with purpose of description.Measure assembly 72 and also preferably include the deflection arm 93 that is pivoted on the bedplate 90.Preferably, deflection arm 93 is installed like this, that is, one side 930 is substantially perpendicular to bedplate 90 at least, and it just pivots around the axle 94 that is arranged essentially parallel to bedplate 90 like this.

Deflection arm 93 preferably has a projection 931, and this projection is preferably extended from its side 930.Projection 931 preferably has a surface 932 that deviates from axle 94, because following reason, this surface 932 is identical with side 101 angulations with the side 100 of top material and sensor cluster 77 basically with side 930 angulations.

As shown in figure 10, top material and sensor cluster 77 preferably have a main body 102, and this main body has the quality between 190 grams-220 grams greatly, preferably approximately is 200 grams, thus the quality of the golf driver head of simulative golf club body far-end.In another embodiment, can provide different top materials to come to simulate more approx to have the dissimilar bar head of different quality.But, because every kind of different quality needs the cover converter of himself to collect displacement data and carry out different calculating based on these data, the required cost of this latter embodiment is higher.

As described below, when allowing between detection period, to vibrate when shaft deflection and according to the present invention, main body 102 on the golf ball bar body end has not only been simulated the effect of bar head during swinging, and " reactive material " also is provided, and prevents that the vibration of shaft from weakening before collecting enough data.The converter of collecting displacement data is preferably two accelerometers of arranging along coaxial line neither 103,104, such as the model 8303A that can obtain from the Kistler Instrument company in Ah nurse's Hirst city, New York.Preferably, this two axial lines is vertical mutually, but this is not essential; Need only the angular relationship between the known two axial lines, just can resolve into the componental movement of two quadratures by the motion of accelerometer 103,104 records by calculating.Equally preferably, this two axial lines is parallel, vertical with base 71 respectively.But, statement once more, this is not essential.Top material and sensor cluster 77 preferably have a syndeton, are used to be connected to the top of golf ball bar body.Preferably, this syndeton comprises a hole 105 and a hold-down screw 106, and this hole 105 is arranged in main body 102, and diameter is a bit larger tham general golf ball bar body, and shaft can be inserted in the hole, and this hold-down screw 106 is used for main body 102 is fixed to shaft.Perhaps, the anchor clamps that certain discharges fast can be set, in following automatic system.

In addition, main body 102 can be by the plane of a through hole 105 or other surface separately, and it just can be in the shaft fitted around like this, rather than slips on the shaft top.This is useful especially when the golf ball bar body that analysis is pre-existing in, and does not need to take off the bar head from shaft.Two parts (not shown) of main body 102 can tighten together by any suitable anchor clamps or other securing member after the shaft fitted around.For example, these two parts can utilize one or more securing members that are located on the opposite edges to be hinged on the edge of release surface.

The same as what discuss in the above, preferably the position relation between the surface 930,932 of the position relation between the side 100,101 of top material and sensor cluster 77 and deflection arm 93 is identical.So, top material and sensor cluster 77 can repeat in an identical manner to align in each check by side 100,101 is resisted against on the surface 930,932.

In order to check golf ball bar body, shaft 110 is installed in the chuck shown in Figure 11 76.The top of shaft 110 or far-end be by with post deflection and be limited in the antelabium 120 times of shaft top restricted arm 92, and shown in the dotted line of Figure 11, just can measure will be with the straight restoring force of shaft 110 changes for load cell 91 like this.Chuck 76, or is rotated by being preferably placed at processor 61 controls motor 86 down by hand rotation by then, and restoring force is recorded as the function of angle by computer 61 simultaneously, and it is definite by the potentiometer 84 that is applied in a known voltage.By well-known divider technology, the resistance of variation is converted into the voltage of variation, and this voltage can be changed into angle.

May envision, when the restoring force that makes progress is maximum, represent the maximum asymmetric point of the shaft of the hard side of principal plane vibration plane to face up.But, empirical observation arrives, and situation is not like this, but hard side is positioned at supine quadrant when measuring maximum, force.Therefore, the angle recordings of maximum, force in this static part of test, and is tested remaining dynamic part.

In the dynamic part of test, the top of golf ball bar body 110 or far-end are in place and vibrate along with top material and sensor cluster 77.Top preferred vertical deflection in the static part of test, preferred levels deflection in the dynamic part of test is although can adopt any direction in any one part of test.Why the reason of preferred levels deflection is that at first, it seems from the result, the gravitational effect that acts on the material of top minimizes in the dynamic part of test, secondly, makes the shaft vibration easily and can not clash into base 71.Therefore, before the dynamic part that begins to test, chuck 76 is preferred to rotate about 90 °, the orientation of the principal plane vibration plane of estimating so just from script for vertically becoming level.

In the device of describing at present, on golf ball bar body 110, be applied with top material and sensor cluster 77, and be added with one horizontal pulse.Along with the near-end or the handle end 111 of golf ball bar body 110 is fixed in the chuck 76, and deflection arm 93 is kept upright, and the hole 105 in top material and sensor cluster 77 main bodys 102 is located on the far-end or top 112 of golf ball bar body 110.Then operate top material and sensor cluster 77, abut against up to the surface 100,101 of main body 102 on the surface 930,932 of deflection arm 93, thereby degree of will speed up meter 103,104 is positioned on their predetermined appointment orientation.The part on the surface 100 that is occupied by accelerometer 103 is not used for this purpose, and accelerometer 103 just can not interfered the in place of main body 102 like this.Although accelerometer 103,104 is illustrated by electric wire 62 and is connected on the processor 61, also can carry out the wireless connections (not shown).

Deflect into the side 120 of the deflection arm 93 relative with side 930 by top 112 with golf ball bar body 110, one preferred substantially horizontal pulse is applied on top material and the sensor cluster 77, as shown in figure 12, then, preferably in transient motion, making deflection arm 93 depart from its stand up position pivots, thereby the top 112 that allows the restoring force in the deflection golf ball bar body 110 to provide horizontal pulse to start golf ball bar body 110, thereby begin with top material and sensor cluster 77 vibrations with the aforesaid way relevant with Fig. 2-5.

Although initial deflection and the deflection arm 93 of golf ball bar body 110 behind deflection arm 93 can manually be finished for the pivot that top 112 vibrations are carried out, they also can be finished automatically.Thereby, the top 112 that the arm 121 of support fingers 122 can be used for making golf ball bar body 110 from its not active position 1200 move to position behind the deflection arm 93, finger piece 122 is driven by motor 123 by suitable gear or linkage 124, provides motion necessary level and vertical component.This just can facilitate the vertical and horizontal movement on top 110 by finger piece 122, and perhaps finger piece 122 can temporarily make deflection arm 93 only flatly move when the next door pivot makes deflection arm 93 return to stand up position then at motor 125.Equally, deflection arm 93 can be by motor 125 rather than by manually carrying out for the pivot that the vibration beginning is done.

As a further alternative, can adopt a horizontal plug or drift (not shown) to come to clash into fast and momently top material and sensor cluster 77, rather than by the shaft behind the deflection deflection arm 93 110 then release arm 93 apply pulse.

In the accelerometer 103,104 each writes down in two respective direction the acceleration on the direction respectively, this both direction preferred mutually orthogonal and preferably level with vertical.But, can adopt any both direction, as long as they are known, but and calculated level and vertical component.Acceleration can quadrature twice to the time, thereby determines level and vertical displacement, but acceleration generally represents displacement and can directly be used, and carries out computational resource and the time that integration needs thereby saved.Perhaps, can directly measure displacement, a light source for example is set on the end of top material and sensor cluster 77 replaces accelerometer 103,104, such as laser or light emitting diode (not shown), along the y direction emission light of golf ball bar body 110.A photosensitive detector array (not shown equally) can be substantially perpendicular to the emitted light beams location, thereby directly writes down displacement, and emitted light beams can be followed the tracks of the displacement that top 112 lists at detector array.Collect data come what may, the frequency data that they can be drawn into the function curve of time and be used to obtain displacement and then use as mentioned above, thereby determine that with mathematical method the principal plane vibration plane is positioned at preferred angle orientation wherein.To be considered to " firmly " side of the principal plane vibration plane of golf ball bar body 110 near the direction of the principal plane vibration plane in the estimation orientation of determining by load cell 91, its preferably should perpendicular to club head face in the face of or locate with any other predetermined orientation with respect to club head face.But, the load cell test can be removed from, as long as golf ball bar body 110 is faced accurate with a plane vibration with respect to club head face on the appointment orientation, though the hard side of this plane vibration face be towards or deviate from club head face, can be better than making this plane vibration face to be positioned at arbitrarily on the orientation with respect to club head face, and,, also be better than being in arbitrarily on the orientation even if it is not the principal plane vibration plane as long as aim at any plane vibration plane with respect to club head face.But, should remember, if be one the cover in each golf ball bar body find a plane vibration face rather than a principal plane vibration plane arbitrarily, even if similarly locate with respect to its corresponding bar head for the plane vibration face that each shaft finds, this group can not be thought of as is unified location.

In case determined the position of ideal plane vibration plane (preferably principal plane vibration plane), shaft 110 preferably is marked as the orientation of this plane vibration face of expression.Can finish mark by on the surface of shaft 110, coating a kind of pigment (for example japanning or printing ink).For example, an ink indicia device 130 with mark head 131 can be installed on framework shown in Figure 13 132.After determining good preferential direction, rotatable shaft 110 makes preferential direction aim at mark head 131, and mark head 131 is added to mark on the shaft 110.Perhaps, 130 can represent a japanning container, and 131 expressions one are the jet of painting brush or one spraying lacquer.As a further alternative, can adopt a kind of mark of finishing shaft 110 on the surface that energy beam or the particle beams etch into mark shaft 110 that points to.In a kind of like this selection scheme, 130 expression superlasers, and 131 expression laser beams, perhaps 130 represent electron guns, and 131 expression electron beams.Perhaps, shaft 110 or marker assemblies can be parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis and move between mark phase, and the mark on the shaft is exactly a line rather than a point like this, thereby enlarge visibility.Perhaps, as discussed above the same, labelled on shaft 110, such as labeling or decal paper, the supporting alignment mark.

Figure 14-17 shows the preferred method of the present invention 140, and it adopts device 60 to make preferential direction (that is, any plane vibration plane or principal plane vibration plane).Method 140 is preferably from load test 141, as mentioned above, this load test adopts load cell 91 to estimate the orientation of principal plane vibration plane, and by measuring the relevant restoring force of angle with the deflection shaft of at least 360 ° of rotations, discerning in the principal plane vibration plane both sides which at least is plane vibration face " firmly " side.Load test 141 can be omitted, but only is when preparing to find any plane vibration plane, rather than specific principal plane vibration plane (discerning the principal plane vibration plane unless adopt other technology).In the place of carrying out load test 141, with the starting point of result as lower plane surface vibration face positioning step 143.Perhaps, can independently carry out the symmetry that load test 141 is measured shaft on the basis.

After carrying out load test 141,, carry out alternative " sign upwards " test 142 and collect the data that relevant golf ball bar body vibrates on its factory's installation position for the purpose of contrast.Traditional golf clubs generally is that the sign that has manufacturer is assembled, and sign is printed on the shaft, faces club head face in the structure that is referred to as " sign upwards ".Some manufacturers make to be identified in " sign downwards " structure or other structure and depart from 180 ° of club head faces.In " sign upwards " test 142, shaft is positioned on its original factory installation site, is known as " sign upwards " test but test 142, because under normal conditions, factory location has supine sign.Under any circumstance, because identify on the optional position that is printed on the shaft circumference, that is to say, do not bring the benefit of understanding any plane vibration plane position, the factory location is random fully, no matter actual home position.

As mentioned above, next carry out the positioning step 143 of plane vibration face.After carry out step 143, carry out alternative reporting printing step 144, wherein print the some or all of different parameters that relate to the golf ball bar body that its preferential direction found.At last, in the step 145 of alternative preservation data, preserve the various data (for example in mass storage 64) that obtain among the step 141-144.

Illustrate in greater detail load test 141 among Figure 15.In step 150, the golf ball bar body 110 that may take off from golf clubs is arranged in 76 1 on chuck arbitrarily on the start angle.Top 112 deflections of golf ball bar body 110 also are limited in the below of shaft top restricted arm 92, and load cell 91 just can be measured the restoring force in the deflection shaft 110 like this.Shaft can perhaps can be finished deflection and fixing automatically by manual deflection and fixing.Like this, the top 112 that the arm 126 of support fingers 127 can be used for making golf ball bar body 110 from its not active position/neutral position 1200 move to the position 1201 of retention arm 92 belows, shaft top, finger piece 127 is driven by motor 128 by suitable gear or linkage 129, provides motion necessary level and vertical component.

In case top 112 is positioned at the below of shaft top retention arm 92, chuck 76 preferably rotates about 200 ° along a direction (can be designated as the negative rotation direction) in step 151.Next, in step 152, chuck 76 go up to rotate at least 360 ° in opposite direction (can be designated as the turn direction), obtains data and is recorded as the function of angle from load cell 91 simultaneously.Preferably, in step 152, chuck 76 rotates about 400 °, and gives up 40 ° (preferably at first, respectively changeing 20 ° at last).But, perhaps also can omit the backward rotation of step 151, as long as by rotating at least 360 ° of record data, if and by rotating above 360 ° of record data, can adopt any amount of spin greater than 360 °, and can give up the part of any starting point, terminal point or the combination of any starting point and terminal point, thereby the data of 360 ° of equivalences are provided.

In step 153, check the data be collected in the step 152, and determine and the corresponding angle A of maximum load by load cell 91 measurements.If necessary, the functional relation of available graphical representation load and angle.Next, in step 154, the initial angle S that is used in the plane vibration face location test 143 is set to A-90 °.This has considered the variation from vertical to level orientation between load test 141 and the plane vibration face location test 143, as mentioned above.

After load test 141 is reached a conclusion, as Figure 16 at length illustrates, can carry out " sign upwards " test 142.The purpose of " sign upwards " test is mainly done one " preceding " relatively to carrying out plane vibration face location test 143 back acquisition " in the back " results.Therefore, as mentioned above, " sign upwards " test 142 is alternative.Especially, though " sign upwards " test 142 is main as the sales promotion instrument under the aftermarket situation according to the present invention, promptly more newly arrive and show and to aim at the improvement that golf ball bar body is obtained again by golf clubs, but the golf clubs manufacturer that it can not be produced " carinate aligning " golf clubs mostly uses, because there is no need to show comparing data.

" sign upwards " test 142 beginning in step 160, wherein the golf ball bar body 110 that may take off from golf clubs once more is arranged in chuck 76.If it becomes the part of complete golf clubs in advance, shaft 110 just is arranged in chuck 76 in the same orientation that is positioned at it in golf clubs, because club just was positioned near the ball before the people who plays golf begins to swing.In most of the cases, the identified surface that can make manufacturer up, but sign can face down or be positioned at arbitrarily on the direction sometimes.If testing 142 is to carry out on the golf ball bar body that never becomes a golf clubs part, preferably make its sign at the trial upwards, or, make any locational sign be used for when assembling golf clubs, aiming at sign by the shaft manufacturer recommendation no matter whether it makes progress.Top material and sensor cluster 77 are installed on the top 112 of shaft 110 then.

Next, in step 161, on top material and sensor cluster 77, apply one pulse, and to collect orthogonal optimum seeking be level and vertical acceleration information, preferably approximately 4 seconds in above-mentioned wherein a kind of mode.These data orthogonal optimum seeking that preferably quadrature assigns to produce as the function of time in step 162 is level and vertical displacement data, its preferably by in step 163, preserve with subsequently with location shaft 110 after the result do relatively, and these data preferably draw with curve map in step 163, and the owner who is shown to shaft 110 and is the golf clubs of a part sees.The outer promptly preferred maximum vertical displacement of displacement of maximum face is also preferably preserved in step 163, is shown to the owner and sees.Test 142 is finished up till now.

Next system proceeds to plane vibration face location test 143.As shown in figure 17, test 143 beginning in counter J being initialised to zero step 170.Next, in step 170, still fixedly the chuck 76 of shaft 110 turns to precalculated initial angle S.If do not calculate initial angle S, test 143 just begins with any angle.

In step 172, if top material and sensor cluster 77 do not have predetermined fixed to top 112, and under any circumstance one pulse is applied on top material and the sensor cluster 77 in above-mentioned wherein a kind of mode, and collection orthogonal optimum seeking level and vertical acceleration information, preferably approximately 4 seconds.These data are preferably quadratured in step 173 to produce orthogonal optimum seeking level and the vertical offset data as the function of time.In step 174, increase 1 for counter J.In step 175, whether system test J=1.If check J=1 when program is carried out first pass, system just leaps to step 177.

In step 177, default a variable Y MAX (J), it equates with the outer deviate of the largest face in the step 173.System then proceeds to the step 178 that determines whether J=1, thereby means for the first time by a circulation.Usually preferably at least by three circulations.If J=1 in step 178 adds 10 ° just in step 179 angle S.In step 1700, for make S remain on+180 ° and-180 ° between, if S＞180 ° just are set to S S-360 °.Next, in step 1701, determine level and vertical vibration frequency, the displacement that this can be from step 173 is to drawing in the time data.Frequency data are generally used for measuring the rigidity of golf ball bar body, and these data are used to make comparisons.But, it should be noted that the frequency of shaft vibration depends on the length of the shaft that stretches out and the feature of fixture (for example length and tight ness rating) from the fixture of any use.Therefore, if carry out any comparison, the equal length free vibration that should note using identical fixture and guarantee to make shaft.

After step 1701, system turns back to step 172 again, and execution in step 172-174 once more.At this moment, J in step 175 ≠ 1, the data in step 176 in the step 173 are saved with angle S, and system proceeds to step 177.Variable Y MAX (J) is configured to equal deviate outside the largest face in the step 173 again in step 177.At this moment, J in step 178 ≠ 1, system proceeds to step 1702 to determine whether J=2.In this second time of program execution, J=2, system proceeds to step 1703 to determine whether YMAX (J)＞YMAX (J-1).If not, just mean that in this iterative method deviation is less outside the face, thereby mean that angle S is near preferred orientation, promptly near the plane vibration face, in step 1704, variable SIGN is configured to+and 1, variable Y is configured to the value of YMAX (J), variables A MP is configured to 1.0, and system proceeds to step 1706.If in step 1703, YMAX (J)＞YMAX (J-1), just mean that in this iterative method deviation is bigger outside the face, thereby mean that angle S is away from the plane vibration face, in step 1705, variable SIGN is configured to-1, variable S (J) is configured to the value of S (J-1), and variable Y MAX (J) is configured to the value of YMAX (J-1), and variable Y is configured to the value of YMAX (J), variables A MP is set for 1.0 once more, and system proceeds to step 1706.No matter still in the step 1705, all it should be noted that, AMP can be set for less value, thereby restrain the result apace, but poor accuracy is a little, and set AMP to such an extent that highlyer improved accuracy but increased the iterations before the convergence in step 1704.Trade-off between speed that Here it is and the accuracy.

In step 1706, system-computed variable POP=SIGN (45-(90/ π) cos ^-1(Y/AMP)), in step 1707, the value of S is configured to S+POP.In step 1708, for make S remain on+180 ° and-180 ° between, if S＞180 ° are just set S for S-360 °.Equally, in step 1709, for make S remain on+180 ° and-180 ° between, if S＜-180 ° are just set S for S+360 °.Then, system turns back to step 1701 and comes calculated rate, and turns back to step 172 once more.At this moment, when program is carried out the 3rd time, in step 178, J ≠ 1, in step 1702, J ≠ 2, system advances to step 1710 and determines whether YMAX (J)＞YMAX (J-1).If like this, these values are just restrained, and system proceeds to step 1711, whether test deviation outside the largest face during 142 less than " sign upwards " with the outer deviation (YMAX (J-1)) of the face of definite last iteration.If like this, current orientation is exactly preferred orientation, in step 1712, the variable POP of expression preferential direction is configured to the value of variable S, thereby represents current orientation.In step 1713, calculate the frequency of shaft once more as step 1701, and in step 1714, finish test 143.

If in step 1711, the outer deviation (YMAX (J-1)) of the face of last iteration is not less than the outer deviation of largest face during " sign upwards " test 142, in step 1715, the variable POP of expression preferential direction just is configured to " sign upwards " angle so.In step 1713, calculate the frequency of shaft once more as step 1701, and in step 1714, finish test 143.

If in step 1710, YMAX (J) ≯ YMAX (J-1) illustrates the also not convergence of described value, in step 1716, Y is set for the value of YMAX (J) then.System then recomputates POP in step 1706, and from circulating at least again here.

If do not carry out alternative " sign upwards " test 142, and step 1710 expression convergence, execution in step 1711 not just, system directly proceeds to step 1712 from step 1710.

After finishing plane vibration face location test 143, system proceeds to reporting printing step 144, and wherein the value of following data is preferably printed (and definite where necessary): as the load (determining in load test 141) of angle function; Load symmetry index (LSI), it is (the LSI=100 (1-((Pmax-Pmin)/Pmax)), wherein Pmax and Pmin are respectively the minimum and maximum loads of measuring in step 152) that measures that measures shaft rigidity variability; The displacement curve of " sign upwards " angle; The displacement curve of POP angle; " sign upwards " angle and " firmly " reach the displacement as the function of time of (latter two angle should accurately be separated 180 °) of " soft " POP angle; The level of " sign upwards " and POP angle and vertical frequency and the outer deviation of largest face; The frequency index that equates with the ratio that horizontal frequency became of the horizontal frequency of POP angle and " sign upwards " angle, it is to compare and measure between original " sign upwards " structure of golf clubs and the align structures measuring of rigidity on the direction of stroke, and form is the increase of percentage.

Next in step 145, preserve data.When preserving fully, preserve all data.Same preferred " rapid saving ", wherein, all data of printing in step 144 all are saved, except the complete displacement data of load to the partial data of angle and " sign upwards " and POP angle.After preserving step 145, termination routine 140 in step 146.

The alternative embodiment of device 1870 of the principal plane vibration plane of determining golf ball bar body is described with and related methods now in conjunction with Figure 18-22.

Device 1870 is fully automatically basically.In fact, unique step of manually carrying out when adopting device 1870 is, the position of regulation meter platform (instrumentation table) 1872 with consistent with the length of the golf ball bar body of measuring 110, be installed in shaft 110 in the chuck 1876 and top material and sensor cluster 1877 be installed on shaft 110.

Shaft test suite 1870 preferably includes an elongated base 1871, and it is the same long with the longest golf ball bar body that will test at least.One end of base 1871 is measuring instrument platforms 1872, and the latter can be along base 1871 translations to hold the golf ball bar body of different length.Preferably, instrument desk 1872 has a base 1890, this base have in the groove 1891 that is stuck in base 1871 to the lower process (not shown) and be seated in roller 1892 on the bearing-surface 1800 of shell 1801.Screw 1874 preferably is configured to instrument desk 1872 is locked on the position of selection.

Instrument desk 1872 comprises deflector/deflection load cell assembly 1878, is used for determining linearity.Instrument desk 1872 is gone back involving vibrations actuator assembly 1873, and the vibration that is used to start shaft 110 is determining rigidity and to make the plane vibration face location of shaft 110, and the vibration damper assembly 1897 that will be described below its function.

The other end of base 1871 is the fixing and runner assemblies 1875 of shaft, comprises a rotating chuck 1876, is used for fixing golf ball bar body 110.

As shown in figure 18, shaft is fixing to preferably include rotating chuck 1876 with runner assembly 1875, and it preferably can be traditional, preferably fixes golf ball bar body by apply radially inner power basically equably around the shaft circumference.Chuck 1876 preferably is installed on the end of axle 1880, and axle 1880 preferably is bearing in the bearing 1881 by axle journal.Bearing 1881 preferably is installed on the support 1882, and axle 1880 pivot center like this comprises being in the prolongation of the golf ball bar body of chuck 1876 and check on the predetermined altitude on the base 1871.A profile of tooth belt wheel 1883 preferably is installed in axle 1880 ends away from chuck 1876, this belt wheel 1883 is connected by a cog belt 180 and servo motor 1885 similar profile of tooth belt wheels 1884, the position, angle of servo motor 1885 can accurately be controlled by processor 61, is the intelligent motor of SM2315 such as the model that can obtain from Santa Clara city Animatics company.Motor 1885 preferably is installed in the below of support 1882.Preferably, the space of support 1882 belows also is used to put the terminal box of various sensors and other following Electrical and Electronic parts.Equally preferably, the space of support 1882 belows is sealed by the acrylic panel (not shown), thereby does not allow dust invade and prevent that the user from contacting with the electric connection of any exposure.

Show instrument desk 1872 among Figure 19 and 20 in more detail.Deflector/deflection load cell assembly 1878 comprises a vertically extending bar 190, its be installed into make golf ball bar body 110 from its upper end by but have with it at interval.Bar 190 can vertically move, and an actuator such as pneumatic cylinder 191 preferably are set make bar 190 be moved upwards up to its upper end to engage with shaft 110, and makes shaft 110 upward deflect a scheduled volume.Can adopt any other suitable actuator, comprise linear actuators such as solenoid or hydraulic cylinder or rotary actuator such as motor.Preferably, the upper end of bar 190 has a bearing and engages with shaft 110 such as V-arrangement bearing 193.Compressive load sensor 192 is measured the restoring force that applies such as the below that the model 9222 of Ah nurse's Hirst city, New York KistlerInstrument company is arranged on pneumatic cylinder 191 when shaft 110 is upward deflected by bar 190.As top embodiment in conjunction with the front discuss the same because load test be vertical survey and the position of plane vibration face is horizontal survey, so the load test data be with measurement they the time the angle recordings of 90 ° of angular deviations.

The vibration actuator assembly 1873 of instrument desk 1872 preferably includes electromagnet 1894, and the longitudinal axis that this electromagnet preferably is installed into perpendicular to shaft 110 moves horizontally, and preferably is installed in the effect of the pneumatic cylinder 1895 on the support 1896.Can adopt any other suitable actuator, comprise linear actuators such as solenoid or hydraulic cylinder or rotary actuator such as motor.

Device 1870 also preferably includes near-end shaft marker structure 1887 and far-end shaft marker structure 1886, is used for mark principal plane vibration plane on golf ball bar body 110 in case the position when determining.Far-end shaft marker structure 1886 preferably includes one or more (for example two, as shown in the figure) record head 1888, thereby make one or more (for example two) mark at the far-end of shaft 110, golf driver head on it can be used for making shaft 110 and specifying the orientation is aimed at, and near-end shaft marker structure 1886 preferably includes one or more record heads 1888, thereby makes one or more marks at the near-end of shaft 110.In two kinds of shaft mark mechanisms, the preferred pneumatic cylinder of correspondence that adopts rises to contact with shaft 110 record head 1888.Preferably, stable in labeling process in order to make shaft 110, lift shaft deflecting bar 190 by pressure cylinder or other actuator 191, thereby make shaft 110 vertical deflection, the more important thing is that fixedly shaft makes it out-of-level mobile in labeling process.Another pressure cylinder or other actuator 194 then start the record head 1888 of far-end shaft marker structure 1886.The pressure cylinder of near-end shaft marker structure 1887 or other actuator 1889 same record head 1888 mark shafts 110 that start near-ends preferably continue deflections and fixedly during shaft 110 at bar 190.Perhaps, as discussed above the same, can on shaft 110, apply the labeling or the decal paper of one or more supporting alignment marks.Therefore mark on the shaft 110 is mainly used to make shaft 110 to aim at golf driver head, can be based on being used for that the bar head is fixed on the needs of the equipment on the shaft 110 or by manually bar head independent stationary being come the number and the position of selected marker to the needs on the shaft 110.

The top material is similar to said modules 77 with sensor cluster 1877.In order to start operation, after being inserted into golf ball bar body 110 in the chuck 1876, user installation top material and sensor cluster 1877, with the surface of electromagnet 1894 as aligning surface.Pressure cylinder or other actuator 1895 are set like this, that is, on its resting position, it is positioned on the tram that is used as alignment surface electromagnet 1894, be used for top material and sensor cluster are installed on the shaft 110, shaft 110 is positioned at it not on the active position.After installing and aimed at top material and sensor cluster 1877, give electromagnet 1894 energisings.Then starting pressure cylinder or other actuator 1895, on direction, removing electromagnet 1894 away from shaft 110 longitudinal axis, thus horizontal deflection shaft 110.Electromagnet 1894 along remove that direction moves finally or before, give electromagnet 1894 outages, thereby discharge its maintenance, thereby shaft 110 is essentially horizontally vibrated assembly 1877.

When shaft 110 vibrations, by the motion on the shaft top of top material and sensor cluster 1877 detections, what especially note is the outer normal acceleration of largest face or displacement and vibration frequency by processor 61 records.

Preferably, after having collected enough data, a buffer 1898 such as foam pad moved to shaft 110 engage, preferably by being installed in the vibration that pressure cylinder 1899 on the support 1900 stops shaft.

No matter whether be provided with Bunper assembly 1897, electromagnet 1894 then engages again with assembly 1877.When servo motor 1885 made shaft 110 turn to position, next angle, the current position of its preferred distance was 10 °, in the rotation process of shaft, by the surface engagement with electromagnet 1894 assembly 1877 was aimed at.Hold-down screw 106 preferably has a nylon pinnacle, if when assembly 1877 is stopped operating by electromagnet 1894 like this, shaft 110 still can rotate with respect to assembly 1877.Electromagnet 1894 is energized or still energising, and is removed once more so that shaft 110 deflections are less preferred again by making shaft 110 vibrations for electromagnet 1894 outages.On this new position, angle, record comprises the displacement data and the frequency data of the outer deviation of shaft top largest face once more.This preferably repeats with uniform angular spacing, preferably every 10 °, so just can obtain outer deviation data of face and frequency data with respect to position, 36 angles.Although preferred angle is that institute's time spent is not uniform on each position, angle uniformly at interval.For example, in a preferred embodiment, can make curve map demonstration (seeing below) in more detail in " sign upwards " position and principal plane vibration plane position acquisition more data.

As a kind of replacement scheme of top material and sensor cluster 1877, can adopt a top material assembly 261, as shown in figure 26.Top material assembly 261 with similar with sensor cluster 1877 to the top material qualitatively, except it does not comprise accelerometer or any other sensor, thereby does not need wired or wireless connection of joining with processor 61 in size.Top material assembly 261 comprises a flat plate 262, and it cooperates with electromagnet 1894.For reason to be discussed below, preferably plate 262 is mounted to angle surperficial at 45 with top material assembly 261.

For using with top material assembly 261, device 1870 preferably is equipped with a pair of laser distance sensor 263,264, and each range sensor can be the OADM type laser distance sensor that the Baumer Electric AG from Switzerland Frauenfeld obtains.Shown in Figure 27 and 28, sensor 263,264 is preferably installed like this, that is, when top material assembly 261 was installed on the shaft 110, sensor 263,264 was positioned on the offside of the top material assembly 261 that leaves electromagnet 1894.More preferably, when top material assembly 261 substantially perpendicularly is equipped with plate 262, upper sensor 263 is installed in its beam is mapped on the height of 270 centers, side basically, and lower sensor 264 is installed in its beam is mapped on the height of 271 centers, side basically.It should be noted, hold-down screw 106 is shown in broken lines in Figure 27 and 28, because though hold-down screw is positioned on the side 270, on the position of the side 270 that the point that intersect it is positioned at ratio sensor 263 along the longitudinal axis of shaft 110 beam 272 and side 270 also will be low.Therefore, the not operation of interference sensor 263 of hold-down screw 106.

Each sensor 263,264 all comprises a lasing light emitter and a photodetector, and operates by measuring outreach time of material assembly 261 and back light electric explorer of laser pulse.As can from Figure 27, finding out significantly, if top material assembly only is flatly to vibrate, so from upper sensor 263 to the side 270 apart from d _UAlways with from lower sensor 264 to the side 271 apart from d _LAbout equally.But, can be as seen from Figure 28, if in the vibration of top material assembly 261 any vertical component is arranged, so, even if there is not the horizontal vibration component, two apart from d _UAnd d _LAlso can be different.

Suppose:

(1) level on shaft 110 tops and vertical displacement are expressed as x and y respectively;

The d that measures when (2) top material assembly 261 is static _UWith the d that carries out measuring during the particular measurement _UBetween difference be expressed as x _U

The d that measures when (3) top material assembly 261 is static _LWith the d that carries out measuring during the particular measurement _LBetween difference be expressed as x _L

Then can be from the x of following formula _UAnd x _LIn draw x and y:

x＝(x _L+x _U)/2

y＝(x _L-x _U)/2

Can find out significantly that from geometry top material assembly 261 can be installed like this, that is, side 270 does not become miter angle with vertical direction (or horizontal vibration face) with 271, but becomes the inclination angle of some other angles with vertical direction (or this face), but from x _LAnd x _UIn to draw the mathematical computations of x and y obviously more complicated.Obviously, equally will sensor 263,264 be installed in the opposite of side 270,271 corresponding mid points, as long as when 261 vibrations of top material assembly, the beam of sensor 263 intersects with side 270 and the beam and the side 271 of sensor 264 are crossing.But, if the installation site that sensor 263,264 adopts other just should notice that selected position can not allow above-mentioned condition be destroyed by the extent of vibration in the top material assembly 261 expection oscillating regions.

What it is also understood that is that the side 270,271 of top material assembly 261 should not reflected fully.If side 270,271 is reflected fully, all laser by the lasing light emitter emission in the sensor 263,264 can will reflect away from the detector these sensors.Must there be enough minute surface reflections that some laser can be turned back on its lasing light emitter.Preferably, the surface of side 270,271 is made near " blank sheet of paper surface ", promptly launches again with the wavelength omnidirectional identical with incident beam as far as possible in the time being excited by laser for one.Two sensors 263,264 should be enough far away dividually, makes the energy from the reflection of side 270 or emission again can not arrive the detector of sensor 264, and can not arrive the detector of sensor 263 from the energy of the reflection of side 271 or emission again.Perhaps, the wavelength operation that this two sensors can be different, the signal of such sensor just can not read by another sensor.

Use sensor 263,264 to replace accelerometer 103,104 that displacement data directly is provided, and need not quadrature acceleration information.But, as mentioned above, for purposes of the present invention, acceleration analysis produces identical result with displacement measurement.

When after all measurements are finished in all positions, angle, then by manually taking off assembly 1877 or 261 from shaft 110.

The driving of servo motor 1885 and different pressure cylinder/actuator is carried out automatically, so just can be carried out multiple measurement fast.If measure every 10 °, preferably in about 2 minutes or less time, finish whole a series of measurement, preferably in about 30 seconds.If pneumatic cylinder as actuator, is preferably driven various pneumatic cylinders by compressor 2000, compressor is preferably placed in the shell 1801 and by flexible pipe 2001 and links to each other with various pressure cylinders.Shell 1801 can be used for other element (not shown) of storing apparatus 1870.

With respect to each position, angle, measurement result is the tabulation of apical position (especially face outer displacement) and vibration frequency.In order to locate the principal plane vibration plane, can in as the polar coordinates of angle function, draw the face outer displacement.An example of this coordinate diagram has been shown among Figure 21.On each position, angle, the face outer displacement of this angle of distance expression of curve and initial point.A kind of typical golf ball bar body will have such as many lobes type coordinate diagram shown in Figure 21, although the number of lobe can change in the middle of different shafts.Coordinate curve between the lobe is the local minimum of face outer displacement near the spinode 210 of initial point more.Except very irregular shaft, it is even number that the number of spinode 210 is thought of as in advance, and each spinode 210 of special angle should have the match point that differs 180 ° with it.Like this each is to one in (being illustrated by dotted line 211) expression shaft plane vibration face, and the principal plane vibration plane is usually by from nearest that of initial point spinode being represented.It should be noted,, can accurately make principal plane vibration plane location, even if its position is not one in the actual position of measuring, angle by drawing observed data with the mode of chart.Processor 61 is preferably used software programming, thus drawing data and select the principal plane vibration plane automatically.

In a preferred embodiment, this software makes curve 212 and data point 213 match mutually by adopting the fourier series approach method.If will be shown r (θ) from the distance table of initial point at the point 213 that special angle θ obtains for each, the point 213 just can with following progression match mutually:

r(θ)＝A ₀+A ₁cosθ+B ₁sinθ+A ₂cos(2θ)+B ₂sin(2θ)+…+A _mcos(mθ)+B _msin(mθ)

Wherein, the precision of match increases with the increase of item number m.But, when N was number of data points, item number was restricted:

m＜(N-1)/2

Like this, in a preferred embodiment, be 36 o'clock counting, the maximum number of item is 17.

In the superincumbent progression, coefficient is limited as follows:

$A_0=(1/N)\underset{\mathrm{\&theta;}}{\mathrm{\&Sigma;}}r$

(that is 221 average distances) apart from initial point;

$A_j=(2/N)\underset{\mathrm{\&theta;}}{\mathrm{\&Sigma;}}y\cos \left(\mathrm{j\&theta;}\right)$

With

$B_j=(2/N)\underset{\mathrm{\&theta;}}{\mathrm{\&Sigma;}}y\sin \left(\mathrm{j\&theta;}\right)$

Empirical observation arrives, and carry out the minimum of a value that qualified curve match need reach 4 (m=4).When m increased, match was also just better.

In case curve 212 and point 213 matches are calculated first derivative and are set zero for, with maximizing (cusps of many lobes) and minimum of a value (spinode 210).Calculate second dervative in each extremum, which is minimum of a value or spinode (positive second dervative), which is maximum (negative second dervative) to discern.Find,,, should adopt 36 data points (0 °-350 °), but should use 37 points (0 °-360 °) at derivative if end points (0 ° with 360 °) will have identical frequency and displacement for the purpose of curve match.

The formula of single order and second dervative is as follows:

$r^{\&prime;}\left(\mathrm{\&theta;}\right)=\underset{j=1}{\overset{m}{\mathrm{\&Sigma;}}}(-A_{1}j\sin \left(\mathrm{j\&theta;}\right)+B_{1}j\cos \left(\mathrm{j\&theta;}\right))$

$r^{\&prime;\&prime;}\left(\mathrm{\&theta;}\right)=\underset{j=1}{\overset{m}{\mathrm{\&Sigma;}}}(-A_1{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="j"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">j</figure-callout>}}^2\cos \left(\mathrm{j\&theta;}\right)-B_1{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="j"\; filenames="C20051009991800581.png,C20051009991800641.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">j</figure-callout>}}^2\sin \left(\mathrm{j\&theta;}\right))$

The commercial rooting subprogram that is called ZREAL can obtain from the Visual Numerics company of Houston, Texas as the part of international mathematics subroutine library, and it is optimized for the root of obtaining first derivative, that is, and and the null point of first derivative.This subprogram need be carried out the initial guess of relevant radical order and position.Although known have 8 roots (four maximums and four minimum of a values) usually, find 8 roots (it is equi-angularly space by conjecture at random) are guessed to can not find all roots.Yet find the root of 20 equi-angularly spaces guessed and but produce correct result.But, find that also for high-order match (m 〉=10), the curve match gets better, the deviation that produces in the data fluctuates in the matched curve that is read as local extremum, thereby produces additional root.Therefore, m is preferably less than 10; M=7 most preferably.

In case obtain root, the identification extreme value is just obtained the second dervative of each root, and is that those positive points are identified as minimum of a value with second dervative.Many lines to minimum of a value that the connection relative spacing is opened are the plane vibration face, and preferably adopt load data to discern the principal plane vibration plane as mentioned above.

As top declare, also write down the locational vibration frequency in each angle.Same as illustrated in top, can use following relational expression from vibration frequency, to draw the rigidity of shaft:

f≈(K/M) ^0.5

Wherein, the spring constant k of shaft under its transverse curvature pattern measures measuring of shaft rigidity.Mass M is the gross mass of vibrational system, and add top material and sensor cluster 1877 for golf ball bar body 110 this moment.It is m that golf ball bar body 110 is approximately quality _ShaftPrismatic ellbeam (i.e. the fixing beam of cross section, most of golf ball bar bodies are in fact really not so), and the quality of top material is appointed as m _Tip, the gross mass M in the above-mentioned relation formula just can be approximately M=0.23m like this _Shaft+ m _TipTherefore, frequency can be approximately:

f＝(k/(0.23m _shaft+m _tip)) ^0.5

Find the solution and draw k=(0.23m _Shaft+ m _Tip) f ²

By determining k, provide and measured measuring of rigidity, shaft and other shaft can be made comparisons thus (shaft of supposition equal length vibrates as described above).By determining that k also allows us to determine the deviation of the top of shaft to butt end according to the restoring force measurement data of collecting in the load test of being done on different angles.This deviation also can utilize mobile instrument to determine, or preferably adopts optical technology.

As illustrating above, for each angle:

F/k＝d+δ

Wherein, F is the restoring force of measuring, and d is the displacement that applies during the load test.If k also is known, just can determine δ, promptly shaft top centre-to-centre spacing runs through the deviation of the longitudinal axis at shaft butt end center.

In a replaceable and especially preferred embodiment, deviation δ can determine in improved load test, and need not at first determine rigidity (it is measured by spring constant k).In this embodiment, pressure cylinder 191 makes one first displacement d1 of shaft 110 risings, and collects the restoring force data, and then pressure cylinder 191 makes shaft 110 rise to the second displacement d2, and collects the restoring force data once more.Can be by moving up and down two restoring force data points that cylinder 191 is collected each position, angle in each position, angle of collecting vibration data.More preferably, the restoring force data point is collected as the part of above-mentioned load test remodeling, wherein, pressure cylinder 191 moves to position d1 when collecting data, shaft 110 rotates at least 360 °, and pressure cylinder 191 moves to position d2 when collecting data once more, and shaft 110 rotates at least 360 ° once more.In a particularly preferred embodiment, collect data with displacement d1 when shaft 110 rotates at least 360 ° on first direction when for example rotating about 400 °, and when shaft 110 rotates identical total angular displacement on relative second direction, collect data once more with displacement d2.This sets two equations with regard to available two unknown quantity k and δ, and it can be found the solution with respect to δ:

F ₁＝k(d ₁+δ)

F ₂＝k(d ₂+δ)

k＝k，∴

F ₁/(d ₁+δ)＝F ₂/(d ₂+δ)

F ₁d ₂+F ₁δ＝F ₂d ₁+F ₂δ

δ＝(F ₂d ₁-F ₁d ₂)/(F ₁-F ₂)

Because load test adopts and to connect the top material and carry out, so preferably the weight of top material is deducted from the restoring force of measuring.The load test data of measuring on ad-hoc location are to write down with respect to the diverse location apart from 90 ° of the ad-hoc locations of measuring, thereby considered such fact, that is, load test is vertically carried out, and the plane vibration face position measurement of same angular positions is flatly carried out.

In general, when δ was plotted as the function of angle, as shown in figure 22, the result had just illustrated that great circle 214 is the center with initial point 215, and roundlet 216 deviation from origin 215.The butt end of the relation of great circle and axis of small circle and shaft 110 and the relation of top end diameter are proportional, in a preferred embodiment, and the equal diameters of corresponding diameter of a circle and respective end.Like this, this coordinate diagram has just been represented the position of top with respect to shaft 110 longitudinal axis, perhaps in other words, has represented the not straight degree of shaft 110.Line 217 has been represented crooked direction.It is that we are desired that the restoring force data of load test provide this result.If golf ball bar body is crooked on specific direction, will produce than apply the little restoring force of active force against bending direction by in load test, apply an active force along bending direction.Thereby with respect to each angle, if restoring force is relatively little, so for the angle that turns to 180 °, restoring force is just big relatively, and vice versa.

Method and apparatus of the present invention can be used as the fairly large method of assembling golf clubs or the part of device, thereby produces the golf clubs of " carinate aligning ".Like this, each golf ball bar body 110 can be sent on the golf clubs station, they are marked with reference marker (no matter whether being marked as expression " firmly " side) with respect to the position or the plane vibration face of preferential direction on a precalculated position, on this golf clubs station, mark on the shaft is identified and is used to assemble the golf clubs that has the plane vibration face, and this plane vibration face preferably is substantially perpendicular to the golf club women's head-ornaments.According to plane vibration face positioner 60 or 1870 relative velocities of comparing with the golf clubs station, more or less plane vibration face localizer station or station can be set suitably.Like this, just can adopt several plane vibration face localizer stations 60,1870 to come feeding to give single golf clubs station.Can a hopper be set at the golf clubs station, come to slow down or stop or not preparing when new golf ball bar body 110 arrives, to accept serving as a buffer under the situation of shaft at station.

The golf clubs station preferably is equipped with a scanner, is used for discerning the mark of expression plane vibration face position on the golf ball bar body 110.In case discerned this mark, just rotate shaft 110, make mark be on the predetermined orientation, and when shaft 110 was mounted on the golf driver head, this golf driver head was fixed on the preset bearing for certain golf driver head that will be fixed on the shaft 110.

Perhaps, each golf driver head all can be provided with an alignment mark that must be complementary with the mark on the golf ball bar body 110.Alignment mark on scanner scans shaft 110 and the bar head, and shaft 110 is turned to till the two marks aligning always.This does not just need to allow golf driver head fixed mechanism " understanding " for aim at the particular orientation of fixing various dissimilar golf driver heads with the shaft of mark.Otherwise each golf driver head all can be fixed on the identical orientation, and when shaft 110 is about to assemble, and before shaft 110 was connected on the golf driver head, shaft 110 can turn to till mark on shaft 110 and the bar head aims at ideally always.

Figure 23 and 24 shows the device 220 that the present invention is used for assembling golf clubs.Device 220 comprises at least one device 60 or 1870 (show one device 60), conveyer 221, feed mechanism 223 and station 224 itself, wherein, conveyer 221 is used for taking off the shaft 110 of finishing check and they being put into the hopper 222 from installing 60,1870, and feed mechanism 223 is used for sending each shaft 110 to station 224 from hopper 222.

At station 224, comprise that the feedway of the arm 225 that is connected with a motor (not shown) flows to chuck 230 with shaft 110, chuck 230 is similar to chuck 76,1876, and its near-end from shaft 110 is fixed rotationally.Holder 231 is golf driver head 232 fixedly, and alignment mark 233 can be carried or do not carried to the latter; If there is not alignment mark 233, golf driver head 232 just is held part 231 and is fixed on the known location, and it is difference with the difference of golf club head type.When chuck 230 rotates, the mark 235 on the scanner 234 scanning shafts 110.When scanner 234 identification markings 235, processor 61 order chucks 230 allow mark 235 aim at the alignment mark 233 of being located by scanner 236, or aim at the preset bearing of golf driver head 232.Chuck 230 and holder 231 then moves together by moving in them one or two, and shaft 110 is connected on the golf driver head 232 with other traditional approach where necessary, for example uses any adhesive, cranse etc.

Figure 25 is a sample that offers user's printout under the situation that golf clubs is made improvements, and has provided every characteristic of shaft and the original configuration configuration new with it of club contrasted.This printout provides the information of relevant golf clubs characteristic to the user, and the information database of relevant improved every kind of club also is provided for the improver.

Although listed data in the specified arrangement of Figure 25, other layout also is feasible and falls within the scope of the invention.User and shaft recognition data preferably are set in the zone 250.Being preferably included in the recognition data is the mark (not shown) that bar code or other machine readable are got, and it can be arranged in the frame 258 in zone 250, and can be used for the data of specific shaft in the searching database.Can stick bar code or other mark of coupling at shaft itself.Particularly, if add alignment mark with label on shaft as mentioned above, this label just can support mark equally.

Printout preferably includes chart 251, shows the result of load test discussed above.Particularly, reported load symmetry index discussed above (LSI), and the nominal load during the load test is relevant with the rigidity of the Foot-Pound of per inch.252 show the result of " spin " or the position measurement of plane vibration face.Particularly, two amplitude-phase diagrams 253,254 show " sign upwards " position respectively and the principal plane vibration plane of being located on the shaft vibration characteristics.Similar to Figure 21 is, also is provided with coordinate diagram 255, has just preferably shown the line 259,260 of representing all plane vibration faces, and the line 259 of preferably representing the principal plane vibration plane is for dark or otherwise different with any other line 260.Equally, also be provided with the linearity that the coordinate diagram 256 identical with coordinate diagram among Figure 22 illustrates shaft, also be provided with coordinate diagram 257 simultaneously, it shows the vibration frequency relevant with the position, angle (measuring measuring of rigidity).In coordinate diagram 257, " ideal " shaft of circular data point expression, wherein, the rigidity of shaft and even frequency all are identical on all angles, and the Square Number strong point shows the frequency data of measuring shaft.

Though up to the present the present invention adopts golf ball bar body to describe, but it can be used for determining symmetry/asymmetry, circularity, linearity and/or the rigidity of any elongated member, includes but not limited to baseball bat, billiard cue, arrow, fishing rod or any member.

Thereby, a kind of like this method that provides can be provided, promptly, it determines the preferred angle orientation of golf ball bar body or other elongated member fast and reliably, and adopt definite result in preferred angle orientation to assemble golf clubs automatically, wherein each golf ball bar body is all aimed at respect to the pole face of correspondence is consistent.What those skilled in the art will appreciate that is, the present invention can adopt the form that is different from described embodiment to realize, the foregoing description is illustrative and nonrestrictive, and the present invention is only limited by following claim.

Claims (18)

1. the method for a definite golf ball bar body linearity, described shaft has a handle end and a top of matching with the bar head, and described method comprises:

Make the described handle end of described golf ball bar body maintain static and limit a longitudinal axis, this longitudinal axis runs through described handle end and vertically extends with respect to a plane perpendicular to described handle end;

Under the pattern of transverse curvature, determine the spring constant of described golf ball bar body; And

For a plurality of each angle in the angle of the described longitudinal axis:

Make the described top of described shaft transversely move a preset distance with respect to the described longitudinal axis,

In described mobile process, measure restoring force,

According to described preset distance and described spring constant, determine the difference between the restoring force of the restoring force measured described in the described moving process and expection,

From described difference and described spring constant, derive the deviation of described top described longitudinal axis of distance on described angle.

2. the method for claim 1 also comprises, draws the coordinate diagram of described deviation on described a plurality of angles, thereby represents the described linearity of described shaft intuitively.

3. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, the determining of described spring constant comprises:

Under described transverse curvature pattern, start the vibration of described shaft;

Measure the frequency of described vibration;

From described frequency, derive described spring constant.

4. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, the determining of described spring constant comprises:

Under described transverse curvature pattern, start the vibration of described shaft;

Measure the frequency of described vibration;

From described frequency, derive described spring constant.

5. the method for a definite golf ball bar body linearity, described shaft has a handle end and a top of matching with the bar head, and described method comprises:

Make the described handle end of described golf ball bar body maintain static and limit a longitudinal axis, this longitudinal axis runs through described handle end and vertically extends with respect to a plane perpendicular to described handle end;

For each angle in a plurality of angles of the described longitudinal axis:

Make the described top of described shaft transversely begin to move first preset distance with respect to the described longitudinal axis,

In the described process that begins to move, measure first restoring force,

Make the described top of described shaft transversely move second preset distance subsequently with respect to the described longitudinal axis,

In described moving process subsequently, measure second restoring force,

From described first and second restoring forces and described first and second preset distances, derive the deviation of described top described longitudinal axis of distance on described angle.

6. method as claimed in claim 5 also comprises, draws the coordinate diagram of described deviation on described a plurality of angles, thereby represents the linearity of described shaft intuitively.

7. the top that the device of a definite golf ball bar body linearity, described shaft have pommel on the other hand and match with the bar head, described device comprises:

Make the described handle end of described golf ball bar body maintain static and limit the device of a longitudinal axis, this longitudinal axis runs through described handle end and vertically extends with respect to a plane perpendicular to described handle end;

Under the pattern of transverse curvature, determine the device of the spring constant of described golf ball bar body;

A device, for a plurality of each angle in the angle of the described longitudinal axis, this device all can be used to:

Make the described top of described shaft transversely move a preset distance with respect to the described longitudinal axis,

In described mobile process, measure restoring force,

According to described preset distance and described spring constant, determine the difference between the restoring force of the restoring force measured described in the described moving process and expection,

From described difference and described spring constant, derive the deviation of described top described longitudinal axis of distance on described angle.

8. device as claimed in claim 7 also comprises, draws the device of the coordinate diagram of described deviation on described a plurality of angles, thereby represents the described linearity of described shaft intuitively.

9. device as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, is used for determining that the device of described spring constant comprises:

Under described transverse curvature pattern, start the device of described shaft vibration;

Measure the device of the frequency of described vibration;

From described frequency, derive the device of described spring constant.

10. device as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, is used for determining that the device of described spring constant comprises:

Under described transverse curvature pattern, start the device of described shaft vibration;

Measure the device of the frequency of described vibration;

From described frequency, derive the device of described spring constant.

11. the device of a definite golf ball bar body linearity, described shaft have a handle end and a top of matching with the bar head, described device comprises:

Make the described handle end of described golf ball bar body maintain static and limit the device of a longitudinal axis, this longitudinal axis runs through described handle end and vertically extends with respect to a plane perpendicular to described handle end;

A device, for a plurality of each angle in the angle of the described longitudinal axis, this device all can be used to:

Make the described top of described shaft transversely begin to move first preset distance with respect to the described longitudinal axis,

In the described process that begins to move, measure first restoring force,

Make the described top of described shaft transversely move second preset distance subsequently with respect to the described longitudinal axis,

In described moving process subsequently, measure second restoring force,

Derive the deviation of described top described longitudinal axis of distance on described angle from described first and second restoring forces and described first and second preset distances.

12. device as claimed in claim 11 also comprises, draws the device of the coordinate diagram of described deviation on described a plurality of angles, thereby represents the linearity of described shaft intuitively.

13. the top that the device of a definite golf ball bar body linearity, described shaft have the proficiency pommel and match with the bar head, described device comprises:

Anchor clamps are used for making the described handle end of described golf ball bar body to maintain static and limit a longitudinal axis, and this longitudinal axis runs through described handle end and vertically extends with respect to a plane perpendicular to described handle end;

An analyzer is used under the pattern of transverse curvature determining the spring constant of described golf ball bar body;

A deviation calculator, for a plurality of each angle in the angle of the described longitudinal axis, this deviation calculator all can be used to:

Make the described top of described shaft transversely move a preset distance with respect to the described longitudinal axis,

In described mobile process, measure restoring force,

According to described preset distance and described spring constant, determine the difference between the restoring force of restoring force measured in the described moving process and expection,

From described difference and described spring constant, derive the deviation of described top described longitudinal axis of distance on described angle.

14. device as claimed in claim 13 also comprises a plotter, is used for drawing the coordinate diagram of described deviation on described a plurality of angles, thereby represents the described linearity of described shaft intuitively.

15. device as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, described spring constant analyzer comprises:

A vibration machine is used for starting the vibration of described shaft under described transverse curvature pattern;

A frequency counter is used for measuring described vibration frequency;

A processor is used for deriving described spring constant from described frequency.

16. device as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, described spring constant analyzer comprises:

A vibration machine is used for starting described shaft vibration under described transverse curvature pattern;

A frequency counter is used for measuring described vibration frequency;

A processor is used for deriving described spring constant from described frequency.

17. the device of a definite golf ball bar body linearity, described shaft have a handle end and a top of matching with the bar head, described device comprises:

Anchor clamps are used for making the described handle end of described golf ball bar body to maintain static and limit a longitudinal axis, and this longitudinal axis runs through described handle end and vertically extends with respect to a plane perpendicular to described handle end;

A deviation calculator, for a plurality of each angle in the angle of the described longitudinal axis, this deviation calculator all can be used to:

Make the described top of described shaft transversely begin to move first preset distance with respect to the described longitudinal axis,

In the described process that begins to move, measure first restoring force,

Make the described top of described shaft transversely move second preset distance subsequently with respect to the described longitudinal axis,

In described moving process subsequently, measure second restoring force,

From described first and second restoring forces and described first and second preset distances, derive the deviation of described top described longitudinal axis of distance on described angle.

18. device as claimed in claim 17 also comprises a plotter, is used for drawing the coordinate diagram of described deviation on described a plurality of angles, thereby represents the linearity of described shaft intuitively.

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