Golf Ball Fluorescent Microspheres UV Weathering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional golf ball polymer compositions deteriorate during manufacturing and weathering due to migratory stabilizers, leading to reduced durability and adhesion issues when exposed to UV light, compromising the golf ball's performance and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a non-migratory plurality of highly crosslinked thermoset fluorescent microspheres dispersed throughout the polymer matrix, which provides long-term protection against weathering without shifting or migrating, maintaining the color stability and durability of the golf ball.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional migratory stabilizers are used in golf ball polymer compositions, then some protection against UV degradation is provided, but the stabilizers migrate over time leading to reduced durability and adhesion issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against UV degradationVSAvoiddurability and adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the stabilizer by using highly crosslinked thermoset fluorescent microspheres instead of conventional migratory stabilizers. This crosslinking transforms the stabilizer from a mobile molecular state to a fixed particulate state, preventing migration while maintaining UV protection functionality throughout the golf ball's service life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system by dispersing highly crosslinked thermoset fluorescent microspheres within the polymer matrix. This composite structure combines the UV absorption capabilities of fluorescent materials with the structural stability of crosslinked thermoset particles, achieving both protection and long-term durability without migration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If aromatic isocyanate-based polyurethane and polyurea polymers are used to achieve desired play characteristics, then resin performance is improved, but vulnerability to UV weathering increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplay characteristicsVSAvoidvulnerability to UV weathering

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces highly crosslinked thermoset fluorescent microspheres as intermediary protective particles within the polymer matrix. These microspheres act as UV filters and stabilizers, absorbing or scattering harmful UV radiation before it can degrade the aromatic isocyanate bonds in polyurethane and polyurea polymers, thereby protecting the resin while maintaining its performance characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If titanium dioxide and coloring agents are incorporated to impart suitable color, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but UV-induced deterioration of surface properties worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor appearanceVSAvoidUV-induced deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes fluorescent microspheres that inherently absorb UV radiation and convert it to visible light through fluorescence. This transforms the harmful UV energy into beneficial visible emission, providing both color enhancement and UV protection simultaneously, turning the potentially harmful UV exposure into a protective mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 use of highly crosslinked thermoset fluorescent microspheres in the golf ball's polymer composition enhances its resistance to weathering, maintaining color vibrancy and durability, as demonstrated by superior performance in accelerated weathering tests compared to conventional golf balls.

Implementation Method 1

highly crosslinked thermoset fluorescent microspheres... provide long term protection against weathering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

having a hue that is substantially similar to a hue of the at least one backer pigment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS10035043B2Golf ball incorporating highly crosslinked thermoset fluorescent microspheres and methods of making same

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

A golf ball comprising at least one layer consisting of a color-stable composition comprising a color concentrate composition comprising a carrier resin, at least one backer pigment and a plurality of highly crosslinked thermoset fluorescent microspheres having a hue that is substantially similar to a hue created by the at least one backer pigment. Each highly crosslinked thermoset fluorescent microsphere may be substantially spherical. Each highly crosslinked thermoset fluorescent microsphere may have a diameter of from about 0.5 micron to about 2.0 microns. The carrier resin may be an ionomer. The color-stable composition may comprise a mixture of the color concentrate composition and a polymer composition, wherein the polymer composition may be an ionomer composition.