Eccentric Dimple Golf Ball Aerodynamic Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf balls with dimples having their deepest portions displaced from the center do not sufficiently improve aerodynamic characteristics, leading to inadequate reduction in air resistance and flying distance.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a plurality of eccentric dimples with deepest portions not aligned on the dimple vertical line, oriented randomly, and varying displacement ratios to enhance turbulent flow and reduce air resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the deepest portion of each dimple is displaced from the center of the surface, then aerodynamic characteristics are improved, but the effect of reducing air resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by displacing the deepest portion of each dimple from the center of the dimple surface. Specifically, the deepest portion is positioned at a distance of 0.05 to 0.20 times the dimple diameter from the center, creating an asymmetric dimple structure that generates beneficial asymmetric flow patterns. This asymmetric configuration promotes earlier transition to turbulent flow and reduces wake region size, thereby improving aerodynamic characteristics and extending flying distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by precisely controlling the displacement distance of the deepest portion from the dimple center. The displacement is quantified as 0.05 to 0.20 times the dimple diameter, which optimizes the balance between promoting turbulent flow transition and maintaining dimple structural integrity. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient reduction in air resistance while preventing excessive displacement that would create harmful flow separation
2Reliability
If dimples are designed with eccentric deepest portions, then turbulent flow is promoted, but air resistance reduction is not sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of the deepest portion within each dimple creates non-uniform flow acceleration patterns that effectively promote turbulent flow transition. The eccentric deepest portion generates asymmetric pressure gradients that enhance flow mixing and earlier transition from laminar to turbulent flow, which is critical for reducing pressure drag in the wake region
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different flow conditions at different locations around the dimple. The deepest portion is strategically positioned to create localized flow acceleration and turbulence promotion at specific regions, while other areas maintain smoother flow characteristics. This localized turbulence promotion is most effective at the dimple edges and downstream regions
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 significant reduction in air resistance and improved flying distance by promoting turbulent airflow, thereby enhancing aerodynamic characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a turbulent flow is accelerated to reduce the air resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball includes: a land portion; and a plurality of dimples each provided to be recessed with respect to the land portion. Each of the dimples has a dimple edge and a dimple plane surrounded by the dimple edge. The dimples include a plurality of eccentric dimples each having a deepest portion that is not located on a line connecting a center point of the dimple plane of a corresponding one of the eccentric dimples and a center point of the golf ball. The eccentric dimples have respective dimple axes that are oriented randomly in the golf ball, and each of the dimple axes is obtained in a plan view of the corresponding one of the eccentric dimples by connecting the center point of the dimple plane and the deepest portion of the corresponding one of the eccentric dimples.