Golf Ball Cover Composition for Higher Shear Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermoplastic polyurethane covers in golf balls suffer from lower shear durability, cut-resistance, and mechanical strength compared to thermoset polyurethane covers, despite offering better processability.

Innovation Solution

A thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a blend of two thermoplastic elastomers, with a first TPE at 80-99% and a second TPE at 1-20% by weight, including polyether block amides or polyether-ester block copolymers, enhances cross-linking and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If thermoplastic polyurethane is used for golf ball covers, then processability is improved, but shear durability and mechanical strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprocessabilityVSAvoidshear durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by blending thermoplastic polyurethane with thermoplastic elastomers containing polyamide blocks (such as polyether block amide) to create a composite cover material. This combination allows the golf ball cover to benefit from both the excellent processability of thermoplastic polyurethane and the enhanced shear durability and mechanical strength provided by the polyamide-containing elastomer, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If thermoset polyurethane is used for golf ball covers, then shear durability is improved, but flexibility and processability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshear durabilityVSAvoidprocessability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure and composition parameters of the polyurethane material. Specifically, it transitions from pure thermoset polyurethane to a composite system containing thermoplastic polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomers with polyamide blocks, altering the material's physical and chemical parameters to achieve both high shear durability and improved processability, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition improves shear durability and resilience of golf ball layers without sacrificing performance or processability, resulting in more durable and resilient golf balls.

Implementation Method 1

the cross-linking bonds in thermoplastic polyurethanes can be reversibly broken by increasing temperature such as during molding or extrusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20260021352A1Golf balls with increased shear durability

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

Compositions for use in golf balls and golf balls including such compositions that have increased shear durability. Such compositions include a blend of at least two thermoplastic elastomers.