Golf Ball Cast Layer Centering Independent of Cure Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf ball casting compositions face challenges in achieving centering time independent of cure time, leading to issues with core alignment and material loss due to the use of securing pins, which affect the durability and playing characteristics of the golf ball.
Innovation Solution
A thermoset polymer mixture comprising a polyurethane, polyurea, or polyurethane/polyurea hybrid composition with a treated fumed silica compound, allowing for centering independent of the degree of cure and eliminating the need for pins by achieving centering time before the rise time of foam compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional casting compositions are used, then the core can be held in position during curing, but the centering time is dependent on cure time and gel window, leading to alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding a centering agent to the casting composition before the core is positioned in the mold. This centering agent initiates a chemical reaction that builds viscosity and provides centering force prior to curing, allowing the core to be centered independently of the cure time. The centering agent reacts with the casting composition to form a gel structure that holds the core in position before the main curing process completes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a centering agent as an intermediary substance between the casting composition and the core positioning requirement. This centering agent mediates the process by providing temporary structural support through viscosity build and gel formation, enabling core centering before the final curing occurs. The centering agent acts as a bridge that allows independent control of centering time from cure time.
2Manufacturing precision
If securing pins are used to hold core position, then core alignment is improved, but material loss and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the securing pins from the casting process by using a chemical centering mechanism instead. The centering agent creates a gel structure that provides the necessary holding force without requiring mechanical pins. This extraction removes the source of material loss (pins being embedded in the composition) while maintaining core alignment precision through chemical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pin system with a chemical centering system. Instead of using physical pins to hold the core in position, the centering agent creates a gel structure through chemical reaction that provides the necessary constraint. This substitution eliminates the mechanical intrusion of pins into the casting composition, preventing material loss while achieving the same alignment function.
3Productivity
If the casting composition cures quickly, then production efficiency is improved, but insufficient time is available for centering the core
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the curing process into two distinct phases: a centering phase and a final curing phase. The centering agent initiates a preliminary gel formation that provides core centering capability independently of the main curing process. This segmentation allows the composition to cure quickly for production efficiency while the centering agent ensures proper core alignment is achieved before final curing completes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the centering agent begin its chemical reaction immediately upon mixing, creating gel structure before the main curing process starts. This preliminary gel formation provides centering capability in advance, ensuring the core is properly positioned even as the composition cures quickly. The centering action occurs preliminarily before final setting, resolving the conflict between speed and precision.
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 solution enables the production of golf balls with uniform thickness and desirable playing characteristics without the use of pins, improving durability and reducing material loss, while maintaining cost-effectiveness within existing manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoset polymer mixture having a centering time that is independent of cure time and is lower than the centering time of the thermoset polymer composition portion of the mixture
Implementation Method 2
at least one cast layer consisting of a thermoset polymer mixture
Data Source
AI summary
Golf ball comprising cast layer of thermoset polymer mixture having centering time Ct1 and comprising: (i) a polyurethane composition, polyurea composition, and/or polyurethane/polyurea hybrid composition; and (ii) a treated fumed silica compound in an amount such that centering time Ct1 is independent of the thermoset polymer mixture's degree of cure and lower than a centering time Ct2 of the thermoset polymer composition (which is dependent on its gel window Gw). The treated fumed silica compound may be surface treated with at least one of polydimethylsiloxane, hexamethyldisilazane, and dimethyldichlorosilane. In some embodiments, delta time Δt1 between a dispensing time Dt1 of the thermoset polymer mixture and centering time Ct1 is less than a delta time Δt2 between Ct1 and centering time Ct2. Centering time Ct1 and dispensing time Dt1 may differ by less than 10 seconds or even by 5 seconds or less.