Golf Ball Casing Layer Composite for Feel and Spin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional golf balls with solid cores and ionomeric covers have a hard feel and lower spin rate, limiting control for greenside play, despite providing distance and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A golf ball design incorporating a core, a casing layer made from a blend of high acid ionomer, maleic anhydride grafted metallocene polymer, and a melt flow modifier, with a polyurea cover, which balances hardness and spin characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ionomeric covers are used, then durability and abrasion resistance are improved, but the ball has a hard feel and lower spin rate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidfeel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material consisting of high acid ionomer (greater than 16 percent acid groups) blended with polyurethane. This composite combines the durability and abrasion resistance of the ionomer with the softness and spin characteristics of polyurethane, resolving the contradiction between hard durable covers and soft controllable covers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional ionomeric covers are used, then durability is improved, but spin rate is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidspin rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The blended composite of high acid ionomer and polyurethane provides both the durability needed for long-lasting performance and the spin rate necessary for greenside control. The polyurethane component specifically contributes to higher spin rates while the ionomer provides structural integrity and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If a softer casing layer is used to improve feel, then spin rate increases, but distance and accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefeelVSAvoiddistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the high acid ionomer (greater than 16 percent acid groups by weight) and defines specific blending ratios with polyurethane. These controlled parameter changes ensure the casing layer achieves the optimal balance of softness for feel while maintaining the structural properties needed for distance and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite blend of high acid ionomer and polyurethane creates a material that simultaneously provides the softness required for improved feel and the structural integrity necessary for maintaining distance and accuracy off the tee.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8241146B2Casing layer for polyurethane-covered and polyurea-covered golf balls

Publication Date: 2012.08.14 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

This invention is related to multi-layer golf balls having at least one layer containing a neutralized high acid ionomer linked to a grafted metallocene copolymer, where the golf balls exhibit improved performance characteristics and properties.