Golf Ball Deburring via Programmable Abrasive Head Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deburring golf balls are inefficient in precisely removing burrs while minimizing damage to the ball's surface, often resulting in inconsistent abrasion or damage to non-burred areas.
Innovation Solution
A method using a programmable logic circuit to calculate and control the precise positioning of an abrasive head and the rotation of a ball holder to abrade only the affected areas, minimizing surface damage and ensuring consistent deburring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a grinder rotates or agitates the ball while an abrasive surface evenly abrades the entirety of the ball surface, then burrs are removed, but other areas of the ball's surface are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the abrasive surface to contact only specific localized areas of the ball where burrs exist, rather than uniformly abrading the entire surface. The system uses a movable abrasive head that can be positioned at different locations on the ball surface, applying abrasion only where needed to remove burrs while leaving other areas undamaged.
2Manufacturing precision
If bin agitation with abrasive articles is used to deburr balls, then burrs are removed, but the degree of abrasion cannot be precisely controlled and surface inconsistency occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect the presence and characteristics of burrs on the ball surface, then using this information to control the abrasive head's positioning and operation. The system continuously monitors the deburring process and adjusts parameters to achieve precise abrasion control, ensuring consistent results without over-abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the abrasive head positionable and movable rather than stationary, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position relative to the ball surface. The ball is rotated during the process, creating relative motion between the abrasive and specific surface areas, enabling precise control over which regions are abraded and to what degree.
3Measurement precision
If pressure measurement is used to determine burr removal completion, then abrasion level can be monitored, but the outermost cover of the ball must be removed and pressure measurement is inexact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using sensors to detect burrs and determine when they have been removed before the deburring process is complete, eliminating the need to remove the outermost cover for measurement. The system proactively monitors the process and can detect burr removal completion through non-destructive sensing methods, preserving the ball's outer layer.
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
This approach allows for precise removal of burrs from specific locations on golf balls, maintaining the integrity of the ball's surface and improving aerodynamic properties by minimizing unnecessary abrasion.
Implementation Method 1
a head that moves across the surface of a ball in a rotary or linear fashion... an abrasive surface evenly abrades the entirety of the ball surface
Data Source
AI summary
A controller controls the position of an abrasive. The abrasive is moved to a first desired position adjacent a ball. The ball is rotated while in contact with the abrasive. The abrasive abrades the outer surface of the ball and burrs on the outer surface to remove the burrs. A sensor may be used to sense the position and size of the burrs.