Golf Ball Center of Gravity Marking via Rotational Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for marking the center of gravity on golf balls are either complex, aesthetically detrimental, or inefficient, particularly when dealing with large quantities, as they often require immersion in liquids or manual marking that affects the ball's appearance and process simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rotating mechanism, conveying system, and marking module that adjusts the ball's center of gravity position and marks it on a predetermined area, allowing for precise identification of the center of gravity without immersion and maintaining the ball's aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If salt water immersion method is used to locate center of gravity, then center of gravity position can be found, but process complexity increases due to additional washing and drying steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the center of gravity locating function from the complex salt water immersion process. By using a dedicated locating device with a V-shaped groove that cradles the golf ball, the system directly identifies the center of gravity position without requiring immersion, washing, or drying steps, thus eliminating process complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a locating device as an intermediary between the golf ball and the marking system. This device with its V-shaped groove serves as a mediator that physically positions the ball to reveal its center of gravity location, replacing the need for salt water immersion and subsequent manual processing
2Measurement precision
If label pen is used to mark identification mark on golf ball, then center of gravity position can be marked, but visual aesthetic of the golf ball is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a precision marking device that marks only the specific center of gravity position on the golf ball surface, rather than using a label pen that may create larger, more visible markings. The marking is localized to the exact point needed, minimizing aesthetic impact while maintaining marking accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual label pen marking system with an automated precision marking device. This mechanical substitution allows for more precise, smaller, and cleaner markings at the center of gravity position, reducing the visual impact on the golf ball's aesthetic appearance while improving marking accuracy
3Measurement precision
If manual marking method is used, then center of gravity can be marked, but productivity is low when dealing with large quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing an integrated system where the locating device automatically positions the golf ball and the marking device automatically marks the center of gravity position. This eliminates the need for manual intervention in each marking operation, maintaining high precision while dramatically improving productivity for large quantities of golf balls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the locating function and marking function into a single integrated device. The V-shaped groove locating mechanism and the precision marking mechanism work together in one system, allowing continuous automatic operation that maintains marking accuracy while enabling high-volume processing
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
Enables efficient and precise marking of the center of gravity on multiple golf balls, improving their controllability and flight performance by providing a clear indication of the optimal striking position without compromising the ball's appearance or process complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the prior art, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,299,685 (Golf equatorial positioning device) mainly utilizes the principle of centrifugal force to adjust the position of the golf ball so that the center of gravity and the center of the golf ball are at the equator
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of indicating the ball center of gravity position. The method of indicating the ball center of gravity position includes the following step of: moving the ball to a rotating member of a rotating device; driving the rotating member to rotate the ball along a axis of rotation of the rotating device, and adjust the center of gravity of the ball corresponding to the position of the rotating device; moving the ball onto a first carrier of a first transport device; and marking an identification mark on a predetermined area of the ball.