Color-Shifting Golf Ball Coating via Interference Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf ball manufacturers face limitations in creating visually appealing and easily identifiable golf balls under varying lighting and weather conditions, as existing color options are restricted to the outermost layer or the layer beneath a clear outermost layer, lacking the ability to offer unique and attractive color effects that change with angle of incidence.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design incorporating a color-shifting formulation with a base polymer and color concentrate, applied as a layer on a subassembly, which exhibits a distinct color appearance that changes with the angle of incidence, utilizing reflective particulates and interference patterns to create an iridescent effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional color concentrates are used in the outermost layer or layer beneath clear outermost layer, then the golf ball has a fixed color appearance, but the golf ball lacks visual appeal and ease of identification under varying lighting and weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing principles by incorporating optically variable pigments and interference particulates into the color-shifting formulation. These materials cause the golf ball to display different colors depending on the angle of incidence and viewing angle, directly addressing the limitation of fixed color appearance under varying lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining color concentrates with optically variable pigments, interference particulates, and base polymers to create a multi-component color-shifting formulation. This composite approach enables the golf ball to achieve both visual appeal and adaptability while managing formulation complexity through systematic material integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optically variable pigments are incorporated to create color effects, then the golf ball has more visually appealing color variations, but the color appearance may not remain elegant and attractive across all lighting and weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the physical and chemical parameters of the formulation components, including particle size, concentration, and refractive indices of the optically variable pigments and interference particulates. These parameter optimizations ensure that the color-shifting effects remain elegant and attractive across diverse lighting and weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through iterative testing and measurement of color appearance under various lighting and weather conditions. This feedback loop allows manufacturers to refine the color-shifting formulation to maintain reliability and visual appeal across all expected operating environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a color-shifting formulation with reflective particulates and interference patterns is used, then the golf ball exhibits angular color shift and iridescent effects, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components—color concentrates, optically variable pigments, interference particulates, and base polymers—into a single integrated color-shifting formulation. This merging approach enables the golf ball to achieve angular color shift and iridescent effects while simplifying the manufacturing process by applying all color-shifting properties in one coating layer rather than multiple separate steps.
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 golf ball achieves a unique and captivating color appearance that differs from the subassembly and the color-shifting formulation, providing a visually interesting and easily identifiable option across a range of lighting conditions, enhancing visibility and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
the color-shifting formulation includes a color concentrate and a base polymer and creates an interference pattern upon reflection of incident electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
creates an interference pattern upon reflection of incident electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
utilizing reflective particulates and interference patterns to create an iridescent effect
Data Source
AI summary
Color-shifting formulations and golf balls including color-shifting formulations where the color-shifting formulations produce a golf ball with a color appearance that differs from the color appearance of the subassembly and the color appearance of the color-shifting formulation and also exhibits an angular color shift.