Golf Ball Core Composition with Hardness Gradient for Spin Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball cores do not effectively tailor hardness gradients to achieve desired performance characteristics such as spin, resiliency, and feel, leading to inconsistent performance for different players and shot types.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball core composition comprising a base rubber, a hardening agent with a tricyclic compound and carboxylic acid, a water releasing agent, and a complexing agent, which allows for a tailored hardness gradient between the geometric center and surface, enhancing control and spin characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the compression of the golf ball core is increased, then the spin rate increases for both driver and short distance shots, but the performance consistency across different shot types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a hardness gradient within the core, where the outer surface is harder than the geometric center. This spatial variation in hardness allows different regions of the core to perform different functions: the softer center provides compression and energy return, while the harder outer surface controls spin rates, thereby achieving performance consistency across different shot types
2Force
If the hardness gradient of the core is increased, then the spin rate increases differently for driver and short distance shots, but the control for amateur players deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the hardness gradient parameter through the ratio of hardening agent to base rubber. By optimizing this parameter to achieve a specific hardness gradient range, the core provides enhanced spin control for skilled players while maintaining ease of operation for amateur players through consistent performance characteristics
3Reliability
If the hardness gradient is optimized for high spin rates, then the performance for skilled players improves, but the shot dispersion for amateur players increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hardness gradient structure addresses this contradiction by creating local quality differences within the core. The softer geometric center region maintains reliability for spin control when struck by skilled players, while the harder outer surface reduces shot dispersion for amateur players by providing more consistent ball flight characteristics
4Ease of manufacture
If the core composition is simplified, then the manufacturing process is easier, but the ability to tailor performance characteristics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a simplified core composition with controlled ratios of hardening agent to base rubber. This parameter-based approach allows performance tailoring through compositional adjustment rather than complex multi-material construction, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling customization of hardness gradient and performance characteristics
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 tailored hardness gradient core composition improves spin and feel, providing better control and reduced shot dispersion for both amateur and professional players, optimizing performance for driver and short distance shots.
Implementation Method 1
the hardness gradient of the core, i.e., the difference in hardness between the geometric center and outer surface of the core
Implementation Method 2
a water releasing agent
Implementation Method 3
a complexing agent, wherein the complexing agent includes a metal oxide
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions including a hardness agent, a water releasing agent, and a complexing agent and golf ball cores made from such compositions having a tailored hardness gradient are disclosed. The type and concentration of the components in the composition affect the hardness, hardness gradient, and compression of cores made from the composition and, thus, can be used to produce a golf ball having desirable performance characteristics.