Golf Ball Modified Dimple Patterns for Flight Symmetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls with asymmetrical dimple patterns face issues in maintaining consistent flight performance due to the presence of a straight dimple-free path around the equator, leading to variations in flight distance and time regardless of orientation, which is a concern for both competitive and recreational golfers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modified dimples with specific geometric arrangements and shape factors, forming axially symmetric patterns about different geometric centers on the golf ball, to enhance symmetry and aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight dimple-free path around the equator is used in dimple pattern design, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but flight symmetry and aerodynamic performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately breaking the traditional symmetrical dimple pattern around the equator. Specifically, it introduces a dimple-free zone or reduced dimple density band at the equatorial region, creating an intentional asymmetrical distribution that prevents the formation of a straight parting line while maintaining overall flight symmetry through compensating modifications in other regions of the ball.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional symmetrical dimple patterns are used, then flight consistency is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying dimple characteristics (such as depth, diameter, or density) in specific localized regions of the golf ball surface. By creating zones with different dimple properties rather than uniform symmetry, the design optimizes aerodynamic performance in different flow regions while maintaining overall flight consistency.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If modified dimples with different shape factors are implemented, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying dimple geometric parameters (such as depth, diameter, shape factor, or spacing) across different regions of the golf ball. These controlled parameter variations are designed to optimize aerodynamic performance while remaining within the capabilities of standard manufacturing processes.
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 modified dimple patterns improve flight symmetry and aerodynamics, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the ball's orientation and reducing drag, thereby enhancing overall golf ball flight characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The dimples on a golf ball cause the thin boundary layer to flow in a turbulent manner. Rather than flowing in smooth, continuous layers (i.e., a laminar boundary layer), this turbulent boundary layer has a microscopic pattern of fluctuations and randomized flow.
Implementation Method 2
The air develops a thin boundary layer adjacent to the ball's outer surface. The dimples on a golf ball cause the thin boundary layer to flow in a turbulent manner.
Implementation Method 3
The difference in the high pressure in front of the ball and the low pressure behind the ball slows the ball down. This is the primary source of drag, which is the air resistance that acts on the golf ball in the direction opposite the ball's flight direction. As a result, there is a reduction in the area of the wake, increasing the average pressure behind the ball, and a substantial reduction in drag.
Implementation Method 4
This difference in pressure is created by a warp in the air flow that results from the ball's backspin. Due to the backspin, the top of the ball moves in the direction of the airflow, which shifts the top separation point to a location further backward. Conversely, the bottom of the ball moves against the air flow, which moves the bottom separation point forward.
Implementation Method 5
The shape of each dimple is also important in optimizing lift, which is an upward force on the ball that is created by a difference in pressure between the top of the ball and the bottom of the ball.
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls including at least one modified dimple group are disclosed. The modified dimple group comprises one or more modified dimples forming an axially symmetric pattern about a Correction Area Centroid located on an axis of symmetry at a latitude greater than 0°, where 0° represents the hemispherical pole and 90° represents the equator. The modified dimples can be altered, for example, by changing dimple coverage, dimple diameter, dimple depth, dimple edge angle, dimple volume, dimple cross-sectional shape, and/or dimple plan shape. Optionally, the dimples have a catenary cross-sectional shape and the modified dimples are altered by changing the shape factor and/or chord depth. Such modifications preferably produce a golf ball that flies more consistently regardless of orientation when struck than a corresponding golf ball without such modifications.