Functionalized Aluminosilicate Microspheres for Golf Ball Core Mixing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The current core mixing process in golf ball manufacturing does not provide a uniform distribution of rubber ingredients, leading to early failure of the golf ball.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of functionalized aluminosilicate microspheres with an average diameter below 50 μm as a filler in the core, mantle, and cover applications to enhance the efficiency of the rubber mixing process, improving impact durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If functionalized aluminosilicate microspheres are incorporated as filler, then mixing efficiency is enhanced and dispersion of core ingredients is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functionalized aluminosilicate microspheres act as an intermediary substance that facilitates the uniform distribution of rubber ingredients in the core mixture. The microspheres with specific surface treatments mediate between the rubber matrix and other core ingredients, enabling better mixing efficiency and dispersion without requiring complex mixing equipment or processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If functionalized aluminosilicate microspheres are used to improve dispersion, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time in processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniform distribution of rubber ingredientsVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The aluminosilicate microspheres are pre-functionalized with specific surface treatments before being incorporated into the core mixture. This preliminary functionalization prepares the microspheres to interact effectively with rubber ingredients during mixing, achieving uniform distribution more quickly and reducing the overall processing time required to reach the desired dispersion quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If functionalized aluminosilicate microspheres are incorporated, then impact durability is improved, but quantity of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact durabilityVSAvoidfiller content

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The functionalized aluminosilicate microspheres are strategically incorporated into specific regions of the golf ball core where they provide maximum benefit for impact durability. The functionalization allows the microspheres to concentrate in areas experiencing highest stress during impact, providing localized reinforcement that improves overall durability while minimizing the total quantity of filler material required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12420148B1Functionalized aluminosilicate microspheres for golf ball applications

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 TOPGOLF CALLAWAY BRANDS CORP

AI summary

A golf ball core, mantle, and/or cover layer(s) of golf ball having a composition comprising functionalized aluminosilicate particles having a particle size of less than 50 μm is disclosed herein. The aluminosilicate microspheres with an average diameter less than 50 μm are functionalized with, but not limited to, polysulfide, vinyl, amino, epoxy, hydroxyl, carboxyl, methacryloyl, hydrocarbon, mercapto and isocyanate.