Golf Ball Dimple Profile Using Conical-Spherical Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball dimples lack a smooth continuous profile and sufficient control over aerodynamic performance, as conventional spherical dimples rely on cumbersome mathematical descriptions and fail to independently vary edge angle, diameter, and depth effectively.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball dimple design featuring a top conical sidewall, a bottom spherical cap, and a defined point of tangency with a slope difference less than 2°, defined by saucer ratio and edge angle, allowing for greater control over dimple shape and aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional spherical dimples are used, then the dimple shape is simple to manufacture, but the control over edge angle, diameter, and depth is insufficient and mathematical descriptions are cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple is divided into two distinct geometric segments: a conical portion and a spherical cap portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be defined by simple, independent geometric parameters (cone angle, sphere radius) that can be controlled separately during manufacturing, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and shape control versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a combination of conical and spherical cap geometries to create the dimple profile. These curved surfaces are inherently manufacturable using standard molding techniques while providing precise control over the dimple's aerodynamic characteristics through variation of the cone angle and spherical cap radius.
2Productivity
If dimple coverage is increased to improve flight distance, then aerodynamic performance improves, but tiny dimples are not effective turbulence generators
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the dimples, specifically using a conical-spherical cap profile with optimized cone angles and spherical cap radii. This parameter optimization ensures that even smaller dimples can effectively generate turbulence and reduce drag, allowing increased dimple coverage to translate into improved flight distance without sacrificing aerodynamic effectiveness.
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 dimple design provides improved aerodynamic performance by optimizing flight distance and reducing drag, while maintaining a visually distinct and manufacturable shape.
Implementation Method 1
The dimples on the ball create a turbulent boundary layer around the ball, i.e., the air in a thin layer adjacent to the ball flows in a turbulent manner. The turbulence energizes the boundary layer and helps it stay attached further around the ball to reduce the area of the wake.
Implementation Method 2
Drag is the air resistance that acts on the golf ball in the opposite direction from the ball flight direction. The difference in the high pressure in front of the ball and the low pressure behind the ball slows the ball down. This is the primary source of drag for a golf ball.
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.
Implementation Method 4
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
The present invention concerns a golf ball having dimples with a cross-sectional profile comprising a conical base shape and a spherical cap with a prescribed point of tangency to the cone sidewall. More particularly, the conical profiles of the present invention are defined by three independent parameters: dimple diameter (DD), edge angle (ΦEDGE), and saucer ratio (Sr) which is a measure of the relative curvature of the dimple bottom. These parameters fully define the dimple shape and allow for greater flexibility in constructing a dimple profile versus conventional spherical dimples. Further, conical dimples provide a unique dimple cross-section which is visually distinct.