Multi-layered Golf Ball Cover with Aromatic and Aliphatic Polyurethanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls with aromatic isocyanate-based polyurethane and polyurea covers face issues with poor light stability and discoloration due to ultraviolet light exposure, while aliphatic isocyanate-based materials offer better light stability but compromise on mechanical strength and durability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered golf ball design featuring an inner ionomer core, an intermediate aromatic polyurethane layer, and an outer aliphatic polyurethane layer, with the outer layer being substantially transparent and the intermediate layer colored, providing a combination of light stability, mechanical strength, and decorative effects through the use of light-reflective fillers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If aromatic isocyanate-based polyurethane and polyurea covers are used, then mechanical strength and durability are improved, but light stability deteriorates and discoloration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball cover is divided into multiple layers with different functional compositions. The inner cover layer uses aromatic polyurethane/polyurea for mechanical strength, while the outer cover layer uses aliphatic polyurethane for UV resistance, segregating the conflicting requirements into separate layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover employs a composite structure combining aromatic polyurethane/polyurea (for strength) with aliphatic polyurethane (for UV stability). This composite approach allows both materials to contribute their respective advantages without compromising either mechanical strength or light stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If aliphatic isocyanate-based materials are used, then light stability is improved, but mechanical strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into inner and outer layers, placing the aliphatic polyurethane specifically in the outer layer where UV exposure occurs, while the inner layer retains aromatic polyurethane/polyurea for structural strength, optimizing both light stability and mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cover have different material compositions tailored to their specific functional requirements. The outer layer has aliphatic polyurethane for UV resistance where it is most needed, while the inner layer has aromatic polyurethane/polyurea for mechanical strength where it is most critical.
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls having multi-layered covers, wherein at least one of the cover layers is substantially transparent, are provided. The cover includes an inner cover layer made of an ionomer composition; an intermediate cover layer made of an aromatic polyurethane composition; and outer cover layer made of an aliphatic polyurethane composition, wherein the total thickness of the multi-layered cover is no greater than 0.110 inches. In one version, the outer cover layer is substantially transparent and the underlying intermediate cover layer is colored. In another version, both the outer and intermediate cover layers are substantially transparent. Light-reflective fillers such as pearlescent pigments, glitter, and metallics may be added to the cover layers. The resulting ball has pleasing decorative effects.