Borophene-Enhanced Golf Ball Core for Rebound and Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf balls face challenges in achieving optimal rebound performance, durability, spin control, and feel due to limitations in core and cover layer materials, which affect their distance and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating borophene into the core layers of golf balls, dispersed in a thermoset or thermoplastic polymer matrix, enhances the impact durability and stiffness of the outer core, improving the ball's rebound performance and durability while maintaining a soft feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional rubber or ionomer materials are used in the core, then the ball provides adequate durability and spin control, but the rebound performance and distance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining borophene with traditional core materials (rubber or ionomer) to create a multi-component core structure. The borophene layer provides enhanced rebound performance and velocity, while the traditional materials maintain durability and spin control, resolving the contradiction between speed and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating distinct zones within the core with different properties. The borophene-rich outer core layer provides high rebound velocity, while the inner core maintains traditional material properties for durability. This spatial differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both rebound performance and impact durability.
2Speed
If the core is made harder to improve rebound performance, then the ball travels farther, but the feel becomes less soft and comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a gradient structure where the outer core layer containing borophene is harder to provide rebound velocity, while the inner core remains softer to maintain comfortable feel. This spatial variation in hardness allows the ball to simultaneously achieve high rebound performance and soft feel.
3Speed
If multi-layered cores are used to optimize performance, then rebound and spin control improve, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the core into distinct functional layers: an outer core layer containing borophene for rebound performance, and an inner core for durability and spin control. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer's properties while maintaining manufacturability through established multi-layer molding techniques.
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 use of borophene in golf ball core layers increases the flex modulus and hardness, resulting in improved impact durability, spin control, and distance performance, while maintaining a soft feel, thus enhancing the overall playing experience.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating borophene into the core layers of golf balls, dispersed in a thermoset or thermoplastic polymer matrix, enhances the impact durability and stiffness of the outer core
Implementation Method 2
The core acts as the primary engine for the ball... the composition and construction of the core is a key factor in determining the resiliency and rebounding performance of the ball
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls comprising a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer are provided. At least one of the layers is made from a thermoplastic composition preferably comprising a borophene material. Mixtures of borophene material and polybutadiene rubbers or ethylene acid copolymers can be prepared. The borophene-containing compositions can be used to make a core layer having good strength and impact durability and it also should help provide the ball with high resiliency.