Chromogenic Golf Ball Layers for Stimulus-Responsive Swing Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls lack visual and performance enhancements through chromogenic properties that provide color-shift effects in response to external stimuli, which are desirable for improved identification, visibility, and swing feedback.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of chromogenic polymers into the cover layer or coating layer of golf balls, which exhibit color-shift effects in response to temperature, pressure, voltage, or light changes, allowing for visible transitions between colors or transmissive states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If chromogenic polymers are incorporated into the cover layer or coating layer, then visual effects and chromogenic properties are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates chromogenic polymers into the cover layer or coating layer of the golf ball, creating a composite material structure. This allows the golf ball to exhibit chromogenic properties such as color-shifting in response to external stimuli while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the traditional golf ball design.
Solution Approach 2:
The chromogenic polymers change their optical properties in response to changes in external parameters such as temperature, pressure, or light exposure. This dynamic parameter change enables the golf ball to provide visual feedback to players based on playing conditions and ball state, enhancing the adaptability of the ball without requiring complex electronic systems.
2Loss of information
If chromogenic polymers are added to provide color-shift effects, then identification and visibility are improved, but the structural simplicity of the golf ball is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color-changing polymers that shift their color or transparency in response to external stimuli such as temperature changes, pressure applied during impact, or light exposure. This color-shift effect provides players with visual information about ball temperature, impact force, and environmental conditions, improving identification and visibility without adding complex electronic displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The chromogenic polymers automatically respond to external stimuli without requiring external power sources, control systems, or electronic components. The ball itself generates the visual feedback through the inherent properties of the polymers, maintaining structural simplicity while providing useful information to the player.
3Loss of substance
If chromogenic polymers are incorporated into the cover layer, then swing feedback is improved, but the durability and resistance to wear may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by incorporating chromogenic polymers into the cover layer or as a coating over the traditional golf ball cover. This composite approach allows the chromogenic layer to provide swing feedback through color changes while the underlying cover material maintains its structural integrity, durability, and wear resistance properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The chromogenic polymers are applied as a thin film or coating layer on the surface of the golf ball cover. This thin film approach provides the necessary visual feedback through color-shifting while minimizing the impact on the overall durability and wear resistance of the ball, as the thin chromogenic layer does not significantly compromise the structural strength of the underlying cover material.
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
Enhances golf ball performance by providing unique visual effects that improve identification, visibility, and swing feedback, while maintaining desirable physical properties.
Implementation Method 1
the chromogenic polymer is thermochromic and the external stimulus is a change in temperature
Implementation Method 2
the chromogenic polymer is mechanochromic or piezochromic and the external stimulus is a change in pressure
Implementation Method 3
the chromogenic polymer is electrochromic and the external stimulus is a change in voltage applied to the golf ball
Implementation Method 4
the chromogenic polymer is photochromic and the external stimulus is a change in exposure to light
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball includes a core, a cover layer, and a chromogenic polymer incorporated into at least one of the cover layer or a coating layer applied to the cover layer. The chromogenic polymer causes the golf ball to exhibit a color-shift effect upon application of an external stimulus. The color-shift effect can be measured as a deltaE of greater than 2 when the external stimulus is within a target range. The external stimulus may be different depending on the type of chromogenic polymer, and, as a result, the target range depends on the type of external stimulus.