Biodegradable Golf Ball Material Using Gelatin and Crustacean Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional materials used in industrial processes generate harmful waste that persists in the environment, necessitating the development of biodegradable alternatives that can effectively decompose over time, especially when exposed to water.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable material composed of crustacean shell material, gelatin, glycerin, and water, which decomposes when exposed to water for an extended period, and its application in creating biodegradable golf balls with a core and shell structure that also breaks down in water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional materials are used in industrial processes, then mechanical strength and durability are achieved, but harmful waste is generated that persists in the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite biodegradable material combining gelatin (protein matrix), crustacean shell material (calcium carbonate reinforcement), and plasticizers (glycerin/sorbitol). This composite structure achieves mechanical strength comparable to traditional materials while being environmentally benign and biodegradable, resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies material parameters by controlling the gelatin concentration (10-30%), crustacean shell material content (20-50%), and plasticizer ratios to optimize both mechanical properties and biodegradability. By adjusting these parameters, the material achieves sufficient strength for practical applications while maintaining environmental safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are designed to decompose quickly in water, then environmental safety is improved, but mechanical stability during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a dynamic material system where the gelatin-crustacean shell composite exhibits stable mechanical properties under normal conditions but transitions to rapid biodegradation when exposed to water for extended periods. The cross-linked gelatin matrix provides initial stability, while the natural polymers gradually decompose in water, achieving both stability and environmental safety at different time scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates hydrophobic modifications and cross-linking agents in advance to protect the material from premature degradation. These pre-applied protective measures maintain mechanical stability during use, while the inherent biodegradability of gelatin and crustacean shell material ensures eventual decomposition in water, cushioning against the contradiction between stability and environmental safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If gelatin and crustacean shell material are used as primary components, then biodegradability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to heating and cooling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of gelatin, which melts at elevated temperatures and solidifies upon cooling. The manufacturing process heats the gelatin-crustacean shell mixture to form a workable paste, then allows it to cool and set into the final product. This natural phase transition simplifies processing compared to synthetic polymers, requiring only basic heating and cooling equipment while achieving biodegradability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The biodegradable materials and golf balls demonstrate mechanical hardness and toughness while ensuring environmental safety by decomposing in water, reducing long-term environmental impact and compliance with international maritime laws regarding pollution.
Implementation Method 1
when it is exposed to water for an extended period of time, the biodegradable material at least partially decomposes
Implementation Method 2
heating said mixture to between about 65° C. to about 100° C.
Implementation Method 3
cooling said mixture to form a biodegradable material
Data Source
AI summary
Biodegradable materials and methods of their manufacture. Certain embodiments of the biodegradable materials include a crustacean shell material, at least one of gelatin, glycerin, and sorbitol, and water, wherein the biodegradable material is characterized in that, when it is exposed to water for an extended period of time, the material at least partially decomposes. Particular embodiments may comprise additional components including sorbitol and glycerin in the case of biodegradable golf ball embodiments, for example.