Golf Ball Dimple Profiles With Decaying Curves for Lower Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball dimple profiles, such as parabolic, ellipsoidal, and saucer-shaped designs, can lead to increased drag and diminished aerodynamic efficiency due to sharp intrusions into the ball's surface, limiting the distance traveled by the golf ball.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a decaying feature in the dimple profiles defined by the superposition of two or more functions, such as a catenary curve and a decaying sinusoidal function, creates localized turbulence generation and smoother airflow, enhancing aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional dimple profiles (parabolic, ellipsoidal, saucer-shaped) are used, then manufacturing is simple, but drag increases and aerodynamic efficiency diminishes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from simple geometric dimple profiles to complex superposed curve profiles defined by mathematical functions. The dimple cross-section is now defined by the superposition of a catenary curve and a decaying sinusoidal function, allowing precise control of the profile geometry to optimize aerodynamic performance while reducing drag through controlled turbulence generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite approach by combining multiple mathematical functions (catenary curve and decaying sinusoidal function) to define the dimple profile. This composite mathematical model creates a complex geometric structure that generates beneficial turbulence patterns, analogous to composite materials combining different properties to achieve superior performance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If dimple profiles sharply intrude into the ball surface, then turbulence generation increases, but drag becomes greater than lift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform dimple profiles where the curvature and depth vary continuously across the dimple surface. The superposed curve definition allows different regions of the dimple to have different local characteristics, generating turbulence selectively in specific zones rather than uniformly across the entire dimple surface, thus avoiding excessive drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curvature principles by defining the dimple profile through continuous curved mathematical functions. The catenary curve provides a smooth baseline curvature while the decaying sinusoidal function adds controlled curvature variations, creating a smoothly varying profile that generates turbulence through geometric curvature rather than sharp intrusions into the ball surface.
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 reduces drag and increases lift, resulting in improved flight distance and aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball.
Implementation Method 1
The dimples on the ball create a turbulent boundary layer around the ball, i.e., a thin layer of air adjacent to the ball flows in a turbulent manner. The turbulence energizes the boundary layer of air around the ball and helps it stay attached further around the ball to reduce the area of the wake.
Implementation Method 2
The dimples on a golf ball are important in reducing drag and increasing lift. Drag is the air resistance that acts on the golf ball in the opposite direction from the ball flight direction.
Implementation Method 3
Lift is the upward force on the ball that is created from a difference in pressure on the top of the ball to the bottom of the ball. The difference in pressure is created by a warpage in the air flow resulting from the ball's back spin.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples on a surface thereof is disclosed herein. At least a first group of the plurality of dimples has a cross-sectional dimple profile defined by a superposed function resulting from a sum of at least a first function and a second function. The first function can be defined by at least one of: a circular arc or a catenary curve, and the second function can be defined by a decaying dual bell curve sinusoidal function.