Golf Ball Core Using Functionalized Ceramic Microspheres
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional additives/fillers used in rubber-based formulations for golf balls tend to agglomerate, leading to undesirable effects on the core's cross-link density and overall performance, such as reduced resilience and durability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating functionalized and non-functionalized inorganic aluminosilicate ceramic microspheres into the rubber composition to enhance cross-link density without agglomeration, improving resilience and hydrophobicity while maintaining durability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional additives/fillers are used to increase cross-link density, then the core's resiliency and CoR are improved, but the additives tend to agglomerate which reduces durability and uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the filler material by using inorganic aluminosilicate ceramic microspheres with specific surface treatments. These microspheres have controlled surface chemistry that prevents agglomeration while maintaining high cross-link density in the rubber core, resolving the contradiction between strength improvement and reliability maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining rubber base material with inorganic aluminosilicate ceramic microspheres. This composite approach allows the microspheres to act as cross-linking sites while their inert ceramic nature prevents the agglomeration problems associated with conventional organic additives, simultaneously improving cross-link density and maintaining durability
2Strength
If conventional additives are used to enhance cross-link density, then resilience is improved, but agglomeration occurs leading to non-uniform dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface parameters of the filler particles through surface treatment of the inorganic aluminosilicate microspheres. This surface modification creates optimal interfacial compatibility with the rubber matrix, ensuring uniform dispersion while maintaining high resilience through effective cross-linking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves homogeneous dispersion by using microspheres with controlled surface properties that match the rubber matrix characteristics. The inorganic aluminosilicate microspheres provide uniform distribution throughout the core material, eliminating the agglomeration issues that plague conventional additive systems while maintaining consistent resilience properties
3Use of energy by moving object
If more cross-linking agents are added to improve CoR, then rebound velocity increases, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inorganic aluminosilicate ceramic microspheres serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as fillers, cross-linking sites, and dispersion agents. This multi-functionality achieves high rebound velocity through increased cross-link density without requiring multiple separate additives or complex manufacturing processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while improving performance
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 use of these microspheres ensures uniform dispersion, increasing cross-link density and hydrophobicity, thereby enhancing the golf ball's resilience and resistance to moisture, leading to improved performance and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of inorganic aluminosilicate ceramic microspheres dispersed throughout
Implementation Method 2
improving resilience and hydrophobicity while maintaining durability and performance
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball includes a plurality of layers. The layers include at least one core layer, at least one intermediate or cover layer, and at least one coating layer. At least one of these layers is formed from a composition having both a plurality of non-functionalized inorganic aluminosilicate ceramic microspheres, and a plurality of functionalized inorganic aluminosilicate ceramic microspheres dispersed throughout.