Golf Ball Core Using Plasticized Polyurethane for Hardness Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball technologies do not effectively utilize a plasticized polyurethane composition to create a multi-layer core with varying hardness gradients, limiting the golf ball's performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a multi-layer core with at least one layer formed from a plasticized polyurethane composition, where the outer core layer has a higher surface hardness than the center hardness, and optionally including intermediate layers with specific hardness gradients, to enhance durability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-layer core construction is used with traditional materials, then the golf ball achieves basic durability and performance, but the hardness gradient and compression characteristics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into multiple layers (inner core layer, intermediate core layer, outer core layer) with distinct material compositions and hardness characteristics. Each layer serves a specific function in controlling ball performance, allowing independent optimization of compression and durability characteristics without requiring the entire core to be uniformly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the core are assigned different material properties: the inner core layer uses rubber composition for elasticity, the intermediate layer uses thermoplastic for structural integrity, and the outer core layer uses plasticized polyurethane for surface hardness control. This local differentiation of material qualities enables precise control over hardness gradients and compression characteristics.
2Productivity
If plasticized polyurethane composition is used in core layers, then the golf ball achieves improved compression and coefficient of restitution, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plasticized polyurethane composition allows for adjustable hardness and compression characteristics by varying the plasticizer content and type. This parameter control enables optimization of coefficient of restitution and compression properties to match specific performance targets, achieving superior ball flight characteristics through material composition adjustment rather than complex structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer core layer combines polyurethane base material with plasticizer additives to create a composite composition that provides both the desired surface hardness and compression characteristics. This composite approach integrates multiple material functions into a single layer, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving improved performance metrics.
3Strength
If the outer core layer has higher surface hardness than center hardness, then the golf ball achieves improved durability and performance, but the material composition requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The outer core layer is designed with a specific local quality characteristic: higher surface hardness compared to its center. This is achieved through the plasticized polyurethane composition that naturally forms a hardness gradient during curing. The controlled hardness gradient in the outer layer provides enhanced durability at the surface while maintaining appropriate compression characteristics toward the center.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attempting to make the entire outer core layer uniformly hard (which would compromise compression), the design inverts the approach by creating a controlled hardness gradient where the surface is harder than the center. This inversion of uniformity principle allows the outer layer to simultaneously provide surface durability and internal compression compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein at least one of the core or cover layer comprises a plasticized polyurethane composition comprising at least one polyurethane and at least one plasticizer.