Multi-layer Golf Ball Core with Opposing Hardness Gradients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball core technologies primarily feature a conventional hard-to-soft hardness gradient, lacking a multi-layer core with an inner layer having a 'negative' hardness gradient and an outer layer with a steep 'positive' hardness gradient, which limits the creation of golf balls with unique combinations of compression, feel, and spin.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design incorporating an inner core with a hardness of 51 to 76 Shore C and an outer core layer with a hardness of 85 to 98 Shore C, both formed from homogenous rubber compositions, including resorcinol, to achieve a negative hardness gradient at the inner core and a positive gradient at the outer core, with a cover layer to enhance performance characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hard-to-soft hardness gradient is used in the core, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the performance options for compression, feel, and spin are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into multiple layers (inner core layer and outer core layer) with different hardness gradient characteristics. The inner core layer has a negative hardness gradient while the outer core layer has a positive hardness gradient, allowing each layer to contribute differently to the overall ball performance and providing expanded performance options.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the core are given different hardness gradient properties to achieve specific performance characteristics. The inner core layer features a negative hardness gradient for certain performance attributes while the outer core layer has a positive gradient for other attributes, allowing tailored compression, feel, and spin characteristics in different zones of the core.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-layer core with negative and positive hardness gradients is implemented, then unique combinations of compression, feel, and spin can be achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core construction is segmented into distinct layers that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific hardness gradient characteristics while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex gradient in one step.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner core layer is nested within the outer core layer, with the inner layer having a negative hardness gradient and the outer layer having a positive gradient. This nested structure allows both gradient types to coexist in a compact configuration, achieving unique performance combinations without requiring excessive manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball comprising an inner core formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center hardness is 56-80 Shore C and the outer surface hardness is 50-75 Shore C. An outer core layer has an outer surface having hardness of 85-98 Shore C and an inner surface hardness of 68-78 Shore C and being formed from a second homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −15 Shore C.