Golf Ball Dimple Contour Segmentation for Aerodynamic Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf balls face challenges in enhancing flying performance due to restrictions in dimple design, particularly under low spin conditions, where drag is minimized but lift is insufficient, affecting the ball's carry and overall flight characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball features dimples with at least two contour main parts connected by curved contour connecting parts, which balance lift and drag by adjusting the area and volume percentages, and can have circular, noncircular, or combined shapes, with a flat or spherical bottom, to optimize aerodynamic performance and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If dimples with characteristic shapes (e.g., sickle-shaped contour) are adopted to improve aesthetic appearance, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but design freedom is degraded due to restrictions on fabricating technique and performance enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple contour is segmented into multiple parts (first contour part, second contour part, third contour part) with different curvature characteristics. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each segment for both aesthetic appearance and aerodynamic performance, overcoming the limitation of single-shape dimples while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimple contour employs asymmetric design where the first contour part has a curvature radius larger than the second contour part, creating an asymmetric profile that enhances both aesthetic appeal and aerodynamic characteristics. This asymmetric configuration allows tailored optimization for specific flight conditions without being constrained by symmetric geometric limitations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If golf ball is flied under low spin condition to reduce drag and increase carry, then drag is reduced and carry increases in the region from hitting to highest terminal point, but lift for floating the golf ball cannot be obtained sufficiently in low-speed region after highest terminal point, causing carry to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple contour is designed with dynamically optimized curvature radii that adapt to different flight phases. The first contour part with larger curvature radius optimizes performance in the high-speed ascent phase by reducing drag, while the second and third contour parts with smaller curvature radii enhance lift generation in the low-speed descent phase, allowing the single dimple shape to dynamically respond to changing flight conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific parameter ranges are defined for the dimple contour: the first contour part has a curvature radius of 0.5-2.0mm (larger), while the second and third contour parts have curvature radii of 0.3-1.5mm (smaller). These parameter variations within the dimple structure enable optimization of both drag reduction and lift generation across different flight speed regimes.
3Ease of manufacture
If connecting grooves with straight line shaped contour are used to connect dimples, then manufacturing is simplified, but drag increases and sufficient flying performance is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple contour employs continuous curved transitions (first, second, and third contour parts) instead of straight-line connections. This curvature ensures smooth airflow transition between dimples, reducing turbulence and drag while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized molding techniques.
4Shape
If the contour of dimple is greatly curved into sickle shape to improve aesthetic appearance, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but sufficient flying performance is possibly not provided
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the dimple contour are assigned different quality characteristics: the first contour part has a larger curvature radius (0.5-2.0mm) for aesthetic appeal and drag reduction, while the second and third contour parts have smaller curvature radii (0.3-1.5mm) optimized for lift generation. This local differentiation of geometric qualities achieves both aesthetic and performance goals simultaneously.
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 design enhances the golf ball's flying performance by balancing lift and drag, improving aerodynamic characteristics and aesthetic appeal, and allows for effective adjustment of dimple volume and shape to suit various structures, resulting in increased carry and total flying distances.
Implementation Method 1
the contour connecting parts are formed so as to be curved toward the inside of the contour main parts from the outermost points... Since the contour connecting part has a curved streamline shape, the flow of air can be made smooth between the contour main parts
Implementation Method 2
in a low-speed region after the highest terminal point of ball trajectory, a lift for floating the golf ball cannot be obtained sufficiently... the lift and the drag acting on the golf ball when the golf ball is flied can be balanced
Implementation Method 3
a drag, which is an air resistance against the flying golf ball, is small... the drag etc. can be restrained
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having an improved aesthetic appearance and enhanced flying performance. The present invention provides a golf ball on which a plurality of dimples are arranged on the spherical surface thereof, wherein each of the dimples has at least two contour main parts and contour connecting parts, and the at least two contour main parts are connected to each other by the contour connecting parts, and the contour connecting parts are formed so as to be curved toward the inside of the contour main parts from the outermost points.