Curable Polyurethane Golf Ball Compositions for Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball compositions, such as balata and ionomer resins, lack durability and spin performance, while polyurethane and polyurea-based balls struggle to achieve optimal initial velocity without compromising other desirable properties like feel and durability.
Innovation Solution
The development of curable polyurethane, polyurea, and polyurethane/polyurea hybrid compositions using specific prepolymer reactions with polyisocyanates, polyols, and slow-reacting curing agents, such as 4,4′-methylenebisaniline and dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine, to form layers in golf balls that enhance initial velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If balata is used as the cover material, then spin rates and feel are improved, but durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite cover structure combining ionomer resin (for durability) with polyurethane/polyurea layers (for spin and feel). This multi-material approach allows each material to contribute its advantageous properties to the overall golf ball performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the golf ball cover have different material compositions optimized for specific functions: the ionomer base layer provides durability while the polyurethane/polyurea surface layer provides spin and feel characteristics where needed most.
2Reliability
If ionomer resins are used as the cover material, then durability is improved, but spin and feel properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ionomer resin with polyurethane/polyurea compositions to create a composite cover that achieves both durability from the ionomer and improved spin/feel from the polyurethane/polyurea layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of the ionomer cover by applying polyurethane/polyurea coatings with specific composition ratios and curing conditions to enhance spin and feel while maintaining the durability foundation.
3Speed
If polyurethane/polyurea compositions are used to improve initial velocity, then other desirable properties like feel and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where polyurethane/polyurea is applied over an ionomer base to achieve high initial velocity through optimized coefficient of restitution while the ionomer base maintains durability and the layered structure preserves feel characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyurethane/polyurea material is applied specifically as a surface layer where initial velocity and coefficient of restitution are most critical, while the underlying ionomer structure maintains durability and provides the feel foundation.
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
These compositions improve the initial velocity of golf balls by optimizing the coefficient of restitution, maintaining durability and spin performance, and providing a balance of desirable properties like balata-covered balls.
Implementation Method 1
a prepolymer comprising the reaction product of: i. a polyisocyanate; and ii. a component selected from the group comprising a first polyol
Implementation Method 2
b. a first curing agent which is an optionally substituted 4,4′-methylenebisaniline; and c. at least one second curing agent
Data Source
AI summary
Curable polyurethane, polyurea and polyurethane/polyurea compositions that are particularly useful as the outer layer and/or at least one inner layer of golf balls, cured compositions, golf balls comprising the cured composition, and methods of increasing the initial velocity of a golf ball using the curable polyurethane, polyurea and polyurethane/polyurea compositions are disclosed.