Multi-layer Core Golf Ball Hardness Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf balls with multi-layer cores often require a casing layer, which complicates their construction and may not achieve optimal performance without it.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a center, an intermediate core layer, and an outer core layer, all formed from the same or different rubber compositions, with specific hardness and thickness ranges, eliminating the need for a casing layer while maintaining performance characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a casing layer is added to multi-layer core golf balls, then structural integrity and performance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple core layers into a unified multi-layer core structure where the intermediate layer integrates both structural support and performance characteristics. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate casing layer while maintaining structural integrity through the coordinated design of three core layers with specific hardness relationships (center: 50-65 Shore C, intermediate: 70-85 Shore C, outer: 75-90 Shore C).
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate core layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural transition between the soft center and hard outer layer, contributes to ball compression characteristics, and delivers durability. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require a separate casing layer, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If core layer hardness is increased, then durability is improved, but playability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different hardness characteristics to different regions of the core. The center remains soft (50-65 Shore C) for optimal energy transfer and playability, the intermediate layer provides moderate hardness (70-85 Shore C) for structural transition, and only the outermost layer is hard (75-90 Shore C) for durability. This gradient structure ensures that durability improvements do not compromise playability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimension hardness approach to a three-dimensional gradient structure. By creating radial variation in hardness across the core layers, the patent achieves both durability (through the hard outer layer) and playability (through the soft center), resolving the contradiction by adding a dimensional aspect to the hardness distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a large center and a thin outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard, thin intermediate core layer.