Low Compression Golf Ball Cover Using Plasticized Thermoplastic Elastomer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball compositions fail to achieve an optimal combination of low compression, soft feel, high spin control, and impact durability, as existing materials compromise on either resiliency or feel.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a multi-layered structure with a thermoplastic ethylene acid copolymer/plasticizer composition, where the inner and outer cover layers have specific hardness ranges and plasticizer content to achieve a balance of compression, spin, and durability, utilizing a cation source to neutralize acid groups and incorporate plasticizers like fatty acid esters to enhance softness and resiliency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional ionomer polymers are used for golf ball cover, then impact durability and wear-resistance are improved, but compression and soft feel deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in a multi-layered cover structure. The TPE inner cover layer provides softness and low compression, while the TPU outer cover layer provides durability and wear-resistance, creating a composite material system that resolves the contradiction between softness and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The golf ball cover is divided into multiple layers with different material compositions and properties. The inner cover layer uses TPE for softness and the outer cover layer uses TPU for durability, allowing each layer to independently optimize its function without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If multi-layered cover structure is implemented, then spin control and feel are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into an inner TPE layer and an outer TPU layer, each with specific thickness ranges (inner layer 0.02-0.06 inches, outer layer 0.03-0.07 inches). This segmentation enables independent optimization of spin control and durability while maintaining manufacturability through co-molding or co-curing processes.
3Stress or pressure
If plasticizer content is increased to enhance softness, then compression and feel are improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for plasticizer content (10-40 parts by weight per 100 parts TPE) and hardness (Shore A 40-70 for inner layer, Shore D 60-80 for outer layer). These controlled parameter changes enable consistent manufacturing while achieving the desired softness and compression characteristics.
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 solution provides golf balls with a compression range of 25 to 55, achieving a soft feel and high resiliency, while maintaining impact durability and spin control, as demonstrated by improved Coefficient of Restitution (COR) and Soft and Fast Index (SFI) values.
Implementation Method 1
a cation source to neutralize acid groups
Implementation Method 2
plasticizer to enhance softness and resiliency
Data Source
AI summary
Low compression, multi-piece golf balls containing a solid core and two or three-layered cover assemblies are provided. Preferably, the ball has a compression of less than 60 and more preferably less than 50. At least one cover layer is made of a plasticized thermoplastic composition. For example, two-layered and three-layered covers may be made. Preferably, the plasticized thermoplastic composition comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate or butyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The cover assembly has good impact durability and helps provide the ball with relatively high resiliency at given compressions.