Golf Ball Core Hardness Gradient for Amateur Swing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls for amateur golfers with low head speed do not optimize compressive deformation under varying impact forces, leading to suboptimal flight performance and feel at impact.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design with a core and cover that specifies compressive deformations under different load conditions and Shore C hardness profiles across the core, ensuring a balance between flight performance and feel, achieved through a rubber composition with specific additives and a multilayer construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the golf ball is designed with a multilayer construction optimized for spin on approach shots, then the feel at impact becomes soft, but the flight performance on driver shots is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct hardness zones within the core through controlled crosslinking. The core has a harder center region (higher crosslink density) for driver shot flight performance and a softer outer region (lower crosslink density) for approach shot feel, with the hardness gradient defined by specific Shore C hardness differences between center and surface regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining rubber particles with different crosslinking degrees within the same core material. This creates a composite core structure where regions with varying crosslink densities coexist, allowing simultaneous optimization of flight performance (harder regions) and feel (softer regions) without requiring separate layers
2Speed
If the core hardness is increased to improve flight performance, then the distance increases, but the feel at impact becomes hard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct hardness zones within the core through controlled crosslinking. The core has a harder center region (higher crosslink density) for driver shot flight performance and a softer outer region (lower crosslink density) for approach shot feel, with the hardness gradient defined by specific Shore C hardness differences between center and surface regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from considering hardness as a single uniform property to a spatially distributed property with radial variation. By introducing the dimension of radial position (center vs. surface), the core can simultaneously provide different hardness characteristics in different directions, resolving the contradiction between flight performance and feel
3Speed
If the compressive deformation is reduced to improve rebound, then the distance increases, but the durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the crosslinking degree within specific ranges to achieve optimal compressive deformation. The core is designed to have compressive deformation of 3.0-4.5mm under 130kgf load, which balances rebound performance with durability. The Shore C hardness parameters (center: 50-65, surface: 65-80) are specifically selected to achieve this deformation range
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 golf ball achieves excellent flight performance and a soft yet solid feel for amateur golfers, with optimized compressive deformations and hardness profiles enhancing durability and distance.
Implementation Method 1
the ball has an amount of compressive deformation such that the compressive deformation B when the ball is subjected to a final load of 30 kgf from an initial load state of 5 kgf is from 0.72 to 0.97 mm and the compressive deformation C when the ball is subjected to a final load of 60 kgf from an initial load state of 5 kgf is from 1.55 to 1.85 mm
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball for amateur golfers is endowed with an excellent flight and a good feel at impact that is soft yet solid when hit by a golfer whose head speed is not very high. The ball, which includes a core and a cover, has a compressive deformation B when subjected to a final load of 30 kgf from an initial load state of 5 kgf that is from 0.72 to 0.97 mm and a compressive deformation C when subjected to a final load of 60 kgf from an initial load state of 5 kgf that is from 1.55 to 1.85 mm. In addition, the core has a hardness profile which satisfies specific conditions.