Multi-Layer Golf Ball Deflection Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-piece solid golf balls fail to achieve optimal distance and spin performance for amateur golfers, particularly on full shots with utility clubs or irons, and lack a soft feel and high playability.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design with a core, envelope layer, and intermediate layer, where specific deflection relationships and hardness profiles are optimized to balance distance, spin, and feel, using a rubber core, resin envelope layer, and resin intermediate and cover layers with defined Shore hardness and thickness specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the core hardness profile and layer thicknesses are optimized for distance, then distance performance improves, but spin rate on approach shots decreases and playability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball is divided into four distinct layers (core, envelope layer, intermediate layer, and cover) with each layer having specific hardness and thickness specifications. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to overall performance - the core provides distance while the outer layers provide spin and control
Solution Approach 2:
Each layer of the golf ball has locally optimized properties: the core has specific hardness (40-60 Shore C) for distance, the envelope layer has controlled thickness (0.5-2.0 mm) and hardness for transition, the intermediate layer has specific properties for spin control, and the cover has optimized surface characteristics. This local optimization of properties in different regions resolves the contradiction between distance and spin
2Speed
If the core hardness is increased to improve distance, then distance on full shots improves, but the feel at impact becomes harder and playability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball uses a nested multi-layer structure where softer inner layers (core) are surrounded by progressively harder outer layers (envelope, intermediate, cover). This nesting allows the soft core to provide good feel at impact while the outer layers contribute to distance and durability, resolving the contradiction between hardness for distance and softness for feel
3Speed
If the envelope layer thickness is reduced to improve distance, then distance performance improves, but durability to repeated impact decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball employs composite material construction with four layers made from different material compositions optimized for specific functions. The envelope layer uses materials balanced for both thinness (to reduce drag and improve distance) and sufficient durability, while other layers compensate for protective functions, resolving the contradiction between distance and durability
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 golf ball achieves superior distance on full shots, maintains high spin performance in the short game, and provides a soft feel and durability, particularly for amateur golfers with lower head speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the core, the envelope layer-encased sphere obtained by encasing the core with the envelope layer, the intermediate layer-encased sphere obtained by encasing the envelope layer-encased sphere with the intermediate layer and the ball obtained by encasing the intermediate layer-encased sphere with the cover have deflections in millimeters when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf) from an initial load of 98 N (10 kgf)
Data Source
AI summary
In a golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover, the core, the envelope layer-encased sphere obtained by encasing the core with the envelope layer, the intermediate layer-encased sphere obtained by encasing the envelope layer-encased sphere with the intermediate layer and the ball obtained by encasing the intermediate layer-encased sphere with the cover have respective deflections when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf) from an initial load of 98 N (10 kgf) which satisfy specific conditions. This ball achieves a good distance on shots with a utility club and with irons, is receptive to spin in the short game and has a soft feel at impact on all shots, making it useful to amateur golfers.