Dual Core Golf Ball Centering via Segmented Outer Core

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dual core molding processes lack a secure mechanism to center a solid spherical inner core within hemispherical shells, leading to potential misalignment and performance issues in golf balls, such as hooking or slicing during flight.

Innovation Solution

A dual core compression moldable assembly comprising a solid spherical inner core and three outer core components, including a ring-shaped securing plate, that are collectively compression molded to ensure the inner core is immovably centered, maintaining concentricity and desired hardness profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional dual core molding processes are used without locking features, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the inner core shifts within hemispherical shells resulting in off-center alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinner core centering precisionVSAvoidmolding process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer core layer is divided into multiple compression moldable parts (first outer core part, second outer core part, third outer core part) that can be separately formed and then assembled around the inner core. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner core is pre-positioned at the center before the outer core parts are molded and assembled. The compression moldable parts are designed to be molded in a predetermined state that ensures proper alignment and centering of the inner core, eliminating the need for complex locking features during final assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If locking features are added to secure the inner core, then centering precision is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinner core centering precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The material properties of the outer core parts are changed to be compression moldable, allowing them to be molded in a soft state and then cured to lock the inner core in place. This parameter change (from rigid to moldable state) enables precise centering without adding mechanical locking features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The outer core layer uses composite construction with multiple parts having different material properties. The compression moldable parts can be formulated with specific viscosities and curing characteristics that enable easy assembly and precise centering while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If the inner core is not immovably centered, then manufacturing is easier, but golf ball performance deteriorates with hooking or slicing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidgolf ball flight stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inner core is pre-positioned at the exact center before the outer core parts are assembled. The compression moldable parts are designed to maintain this predetermined centered position during molding and curing, ensuring reliable flight performance without complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The outer core parts undergo parameter changes from a soft, moldable state during assembly to a cured, rigid state that immovably secures the inner core. This transformation ensures the inner core remains perfectly centered during golf ball flight, preventing hooking or slicing while keeping the manufacturing process simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution reliably achieves consistent concentricity and maintains predetermined hardness gradients in the golf ball, preventing alignment issues and enhancing performance by ensuring the inner core is securely positioned within the outer core layer.

Implementation Method 1

three outer core components that are collectively compression molded about the solid spherical inner core component to create an outer core layer thereabout

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression molding: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20250010144A1Dual core golf ball incorporating a solid spherical inner core component that is immovably centered within three outer core compression moldable parts and method of making same

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

Dual core golf ball constructions achieving consistent and repeatable concentricity by incorporating/using an assembly of dual core components comprising a solid spherical inner core component and three outer core components that are collectively compression molded about the solid spherical inner core component to create an outer core layer thereabout. The three outer core components include a first half-shell, a second half-shell; and a ring-shaped securing plate such that the solid spherical inner core component is immovably centered within the outer core layer.