Golf Ball Concentricity Measurement via Multi-Angle X-Ray Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring and classifying the concentricity of golf balls are inefficient and disruptive to production lines, as they often require destructive testing or are limited to inspecting one ball at a time.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a radiolucent ball-holding apparatus, an imaging system with multiple x-ray sources and imagers positioned perpendicular to each other, and an analyzer capable of calculating eccentricity from multiple images, allowing for rapid and non-destructive inspection and classification of multiple golf balls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If destructive testing (cutting the ball in half) is used to measure concentricity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to loss of the inspected item
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses x-ray imaging to create a digital copy or representation of the golf ball's internal structure without physically damaging the ball. The x-ray images capture the core and cover layer positions, allowing concentricity measurement through image analysis rather than physical sectioning. This copying approach maintains measurement accuracy while preserving the inspected item for continued use or sale.
2Measurement precision
If single-ball inspection is used, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to slow inspection rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inspection functions into a single integrated system. The x-ray imaging system captures images of multiple golf balls simultaneously in an array, and the analyzer processes all images through a unified algorithm to determine concentricity for each ball. This combining approach maintains measurement precision for each individual ball while achieving high productivity through parallel processing of multiple items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from inspecting balls in sequence (one dimension of time) to inspecting multiple balls simultaneously by adding spatial arrangement (array configuration). The x-ray system captures a two-dimensional array of balls in a single exposure, and the analyzer processes this multi-dimensional data set to extract concentricity information for each ball position, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the inspection process.
3Measurement precision
If low energy x-rays are used to see cover material clearly, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to image distortion at edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts x-ray energy parameters to optimize the balance between cover layer visibility and image quality consistency. By selecting appropriate x-ray energy levels and exposure settings, the system achieves sufficient penetration to see the cover material clearly while minimizing edge distortion effects. The analyzer also incorporates algorithms to compensate for any remaining distortion, maintaining reliable measurements across the entire image field.
4Measurement precision
If doping is applied to enhance x-ray image, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to altered ball performance characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the doping step from the inspection process entirely. Instead of requiring barium or bismuth doping to enhance x-ray images, the system uses undoped golf balls with their natural materials and adjusts the x-ray imaging parameters to achieve sufficient image quality. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of doping on ball performance while maintaining the ability to measure concentricity accurately through optimized non-destructive imaging.
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 system enables accurate and rapid measurement of concentricity in three dimensions, allowing for quick classification and sorting of golf balls, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing the production of non-concentric balls.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging system comprising at least one x-ray source and an imager capable of obtaining a first image of the plurality of golf balls at a first orientation and a second image of the plurality of golf balls at a second orientation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring and classifying golf balls and/or components thereof according to concentricity including automated inspection systems that can simultaneously image multiple golf balls (or components thereof) to gather and analyze data on concentricity and, optionally, classify or sort the multiple golf balls (or components thereof) according to the analyzed concentricity data.