Multilayer Golf Ball Center of Gravity Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls with large differences in specific gravities between layers suffer from increased deviation in the ball's center of gravity, leading to unstable rolling and curvature during putts with a putter.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design with a core, intermediate layer, and cover, where the specific gravities of each layer have a standard deviation of 0.07 or less, the cover has a Shore D hardness of 52 or below, and the ball deflects 2.8 mm or less under a specific load, ensuring minimal center of gravity deviation and improved rolling stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the specific gravity differences between layers are increased to improve spin retention, then the moment of inertia increases, but the deviation in center of gravity position increases causing unstable rolling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the specific gravity values of each layer (core: 1.05-1.15, intermediate layer: 1.08-1.18, cover: 1.06-1.16) and their thicknesses to achieve an optimal balance between moment of inertia and center of gravity stability, resolving the contradiction between spin retention and rolling stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials with different specific gravities for the core, intermediate layer, and cover, where each layer is made of specific resin compositions (e.g., polybutadiene, polyurethane, ionomer) to achieve the desired moment of inertia while maintaining center of gravity stability through proper material selection and layer configuration
2Reliability
If multilayer structures with smaller layer thicknesses are used to improve feel and lower spin rate, then the layer thicknesses are reduced, but gage non-uniformity (eccentricity) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the thickness parameters of each layer (core: 35-45mm, intermediate layer: 1.0-2.0mm, cover: 0.8-1.5mm) to achieve the desired spin rate and feel while minimizing gage non-uniformity through precise thickness control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual copying/identification methods where the intermediate layer is designed with specific properties that allow operators to visually detect eccentricity and gage non-uniformity during production, enabling quality control without complex inspection equipment
3Manufacturing precision
If the standard deviation in specific gravities of layers is reduced to minimize center of gravity deviation, then rolling stability improves, but the moment of inertia may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting specific gravity values within narrow ranges (standard deviation ≤0.07) while adjusting layer thicknesses and material compositions to maintain the required moment of inertia, achieving both center of gravity stability and spin retention
Data Source
AI summary
In a golf ball having a core, a cover and at least one intermediate layer formed therebetween, the core, intermediate layer and cover have respective specific gravities with a standard deviation of not more than 0.07 or less, the cover has a material hardness on the Shore D hardness scale of 52 or less, and the ball has a deflection when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf) from an initial load of 98 N (10 kgf) which is 2.8 mm or less. The amount of deviation in the ball center of gravity is exceedingly small, increasing the straightness with which the ball rolls on putts with a putter.