Co-creation brings success in developing the new CORTECH CHAMBER
Innovation in golf club technology has been remarkable in recent years, and Mizuno has developed a wide range of technology in pursuit of longer drive distances. The ST-230 Series, launched March 2023, features Mizuno’s new CORTECH CHAMBER. The significant feature of the CORTECH CHAMBER is that it efficiently increases the ball’s initial launch velocity*1 and reduces spin rates*1 through the stainless-steel parts encased within a TPU structure. As a result, we succeed in producing greater drive distances.
It is worthy of attention that co-creation between the golf club development team and multiple departments across Mizuno led to the successful development of the new CORTECH CHAMBER.
*1 In comparison with previous Mizuno products
1. Co-creation between the golf club and baseball bat development teams in development of the golf club structure and materials
When designing the CORTECH CHAMBER, there was concern it could break away from the golf club due to the chamber’s location being subject to enormous load when the club strikes the ball. When considering how to mitigate this risk, the golf club development team realized they could leverage the structure used for the cap at the tip of metallic baseball bats, and consulted with the baseball bat development team. Then, it was found that the ridge structure of the baseball bat cap, which secured the cap to the bat with an inner ridge, could be leveraged to prevent parts from breaking away. Furthermore, they also gained insights on how the materials of the baseball bat cap can be adjusted to control the rebound and striking sound of the bat. Collaboration between the golf club and baseball bat development teams thus determined the general structure and materials of the new feature.
Close-up of metallic bat end cap
Securing ridge structure applied for CORTECH CHAMBER
2. Co-creation between the golf club development team and research and development team in selecting the materials
Golf clubs are used outdoors, making weather resiliency an essential consideration when selecting the transparent TPU material. The limited development period, however, prevented a wide range of materials from being tested. Therefore, the golf club development team quickly selected trusted materials proven by successful use in other products through working with the research and development team. Close collaboration with the research and development team allowed the appropriate materials to be chosen quickly.
3. Co-creation with golf shoe planners creates integrated TPU and stainless-steel structure and design
The idea of using a soft material like TPU in a golf club head has existed for some time, but the idea of using transparent TPU to highlight stainless steel parts was inspired by golf shoes. By collaborating with the golf shoe planners, the golf club development team learned how to integrate the stainless-steel parts and the TPU material, and succeeded adjusting the appearance by applying coloration to the underside of the TPU.
4. Co-creation with Mizuno office in the United States, patent office and intellectual property section for patent review, filings and structural changes
There are many existing ideas that combine different materials, which necessitated a thorough patent review in Japan and the U.S. In the U.S., the golf club development team worked with the patent office and in Japan the team worked with the intellectual property section. Consequently, we succeeded development of the CORTECH CHAMBER without infringing on any existing patents.
As described, the new CORTECH CHAMBER feature could not have been created relying solely on existing golf club technology. Co-creation with development teams for other sports and across departments made its revolutionary design possible.
ST-230 Golf Club Series featured the CORTECH CHAMBER
