Golf Ball Amorphous Alloy Layer for Energy Recovery and Spin Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls face challenges in maintaining energy efficiency during impact, leading to significant energy loss due to internal friction in polymers and mismatched energy storage and release cycles, as well as inconsistent spin rates affecting flight distance and control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an intermediate layer of amorphous alloy, typically Nickel-Based Brazing Foil, with a thickness of up to 0.1 mm, wrapped around the golf ball in a wedge-shaped configuration to minimize energy loss and adjust spin rates by optimizing energy storage and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an intermediate layer of amorphous alloy is incorporated to enhance energy recovery, then energy loss is reduced and flight distance increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner core, an intermediate amorphous alloy layer, and an outer cover layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform a specific function, with the intermediate amorphous alloy layer specifically designed to reduce energy loss during impact while maintaining overall ball performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite material construction by combining different materials with complementary properties: the inner core provides structural support and rebound, the intermediate amorphous alloy layer minimizes energy loss through its unique atomic structure, and the outer cover provides durability and aerodynamic properties. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by achieving superior energy efficiency without requiring a complete redesign of the entire ball structure
2Ease of manufacture
If polymer materials are used in golf ball construction, then manufacturing ease is improved, but energy loss due to internal friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The amorphous alloy layer serves as an intermediary between the inner core and outer cover, positioned strategically to intercept and minimize energy loss during impact. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator that transfers energy more efficiently between the core and cover, reducing the harmful internal friction effects of polymer materials while maintaining their manufacturing advantages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional crystalline or polymeric materials to amorphous alloy material for the intermediate layer. This parameter change exploits the unique properties of amorphous materials, which lack the internal friction and energy dissipation characteristics of crystalline structures, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining ease of manufacture through established amorphous alloy fabrication processes
3Reliability
If spin rate is increased to improve control, then trajectory control is enhanced, but flight distance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The amorphous alloy layer is applied locally at the intermediate position between the core and cover, creating a localized zone that optimizes energy transfer. This local quality enhancement allows for improved spin control through better energy transfer to the cover during impact, while the overall ball design maintains flight distance by preventing excessive energy loss in the intermediate zone
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 amorphous alloy layer enhances energy recovery by up to 20% and improves spin control, resulting in increased flight distance and improved trajectory consistency.
Implementation Method 1
the amorphous alloys are perfect springs... storing and releasing energy more efficiently than solid polymers
Implementation Method 2
significant energy loss due to internal friction in polymers and mismatched energy storage and release cycles
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, it is an article comprising an inner core; an outer layer; and an intermediate layer comprising an amorphous alloy; and wherein the intermediate layer is placed between the outer layer and the inner core; and wherein the article is a golf ball.