Golf Ball Intermediate Layer for Visual Core Eccentricity Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball manufacturing processes face challenges in detecting core eccentricity due to uneven gauge of encasing layers, which affects the ball's straightness, and current inspection methods using X-ray imaging devices are costly and reduce productivity.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design with a core and an intermediate layer where the core has a low brightness (L value ≤ 85) and the intermediate layer is translucent (1-50% total light transmittance) with a color difference ΔE ≥ 10, allowing visual inspection of core eccentricity without expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging devices are used to inspect core eccentricity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex X-ray imaging devices with simple, inexpensive visual inspection methods. The core and intermediate layer are designed as disposable inspection aids where the intermediate layer's translucent property and color difference enable cheap visual detection of eccentricity without requiring sophisticated equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color difference (ΔE ≥ 10) between the core (L ≤ 85) and intermediate layer (L ≥ 75) to enable visual detection of eccentricity. The translucent intermediate layer (1-50% light transmittance) allows light to pass through and reveal the core's position, making eccentricity visible through color and brightness variations without complex imaging devices
2Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging devices are deployed for eccentricity inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer is designed to automatically indicate core eccentricity through its inherent optical properties (translucency and color difference). The structure itself serves as the inspection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate inspection processes or equipment, thereby maintaining high manufacturing throughput while ensuring quality
3Ease of operation
If the intermediate layer is made translucent with specific light transmittance, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the intermediate layer: total light transmittance of 1-50%, L value ≥ 75, and color difference ΔE ≥ 10 from the core. These parameter specifications enable the intermediate layer to provide sufficient optical contrast for visual inspection while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes
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 easy and reliable visual detection of core eccentricity during manufacturing, ensuring consistent ball performance without the need for costly X-ray imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
a total light transmittance of the intermediate layer at a thickness of 1.0 mm is 1 to 50%
Implementation Method 2
a color difference ΔE between the core and the intermediate layer-encased sphere is at least 10
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a golf ball in which at least one intermediate layer is formed between a core and a cover, wherein an L value (brightness) of the core is not more than 85 in a Lab display based on JIS Z 8722, an L value (brightness) of a sphere (intermediate layer-encased sphere) obtained by encasing the core with the intermediate layer is at least 75 in the Lab display based on JIS Z 8722, a total light transmittance of the intermediate layer at a thickness of 1.0 mm is 1 to 50%, and a color difference ΔE between the core and the intermediate layer-encased sphere is at least 10.