Golf Ball Dimple Pattern for Drag and Lift Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls do not effectively optimize aerodynamic performance for improved flight control and distance.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring specific dimple patterns and configurations that provide targeted drag and lift coefficients across various Reynolds numbers and spin ratios, along with integrated drag areas, to enhance aerodynamic characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dimple patterns are used, then manufacturing is simple, but aerodynamic performance is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying multiple dimple parameters including depth (0.020-0.060 inches), diameter (0.150-0.250 inches), spacing (0.300-0.500 inches), and arrangement patterns to achieve optimal aerodynamic performance. Different regions of the golf ball surface have different dimple configurations to control drag and lift coefficients across various flight conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating non-uniform dimple patterns where different regions of the golf ball surface have different dimple characteristics. For example, upper hemisphere dimples may differ from lower hemisphere dimples, and dimple parameters vary by latitude and longitude positions to optimize aerodynamic performance in different flight phases.
2Reliability
If dimple parameters are optimized for specific flight conditions, then aerodynamic performance improves, but performance consistency across varying Reynolds numbers and spin ratios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a dimple pattern system that performs multiple aerodynamic functions simultaneously. The dimple configuration is optimized to provide consistent performance across a wide range of Reynolds numbers (100,000-300,000) and spin ratios (0.05-0.15), making the golf ball adaptable to various flight conditions including different launch angles, speeds, and spin rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a dimple pattern that adapts to changing flight conditions. The specific dimple parameters and arrangements are designed to maintain stable aerodynamic characteristics as the golf ball transitions through different phases of flight, including the effects of spin-induced boundary layer behavior and pressure distribution changes.
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 design achieves improved flight control and distance by optimizing aerodynamic performance, balancing drag and lift forces for enhanced golf ball behavior.
Implementation Method 1
The cover can comprise a plurality of dimples arranged in a dimple pattern that has or exhibits a series of drag coefficients (CD) and lift coefficients (CL) across a variety of Reynolds numbers and spin ratios
Implementation Method 2
the cover can comprise a plurality of dimples arranged in a dimple pattern that has or exhibits a series of drag coefficients (CD) and lift coefficients (CL) across a variety of Reynolds numbers and spin ratios
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball is disclosed herein that has at least one modified aerodynamic characteristic or performance trait. More specifically, the golf ball disclosed herein can include a dimple pattern having a specific drag coefficient and/or specific integrated drag area.