Golf Ball Dimple Cross-Section Depth Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf balls do not adequately enhance aerodynamic performance to maximize flight distance and stability, as existing dimple shapes and configurations do not effectively reduce air resistance during flight.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball features dimples with a specific cross-sectional shape divided into regions, where the average depths in each region satisfy particular ratios, reducing air resistance and enhancing aerodynamic performance by optimizing dimple effects during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional circularly arcuate dimples are used, then the ball surface is simple to manufacture, but the aerodynamic performance is insufficient to maximize flight distance and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple cross-section is segmented into five distinct regions along the reference line, with each region having specific depth constraints. This segmentation allows optimization of aerodynamic performance by controlling the depth distribution across different zones while maintaining manufacturability through defined regional specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the dimple cross-section are assigned different depth characteristics. The deepest point is constrained to 81-100% of the reference line, while other regions have progressively shallower depths, creating local variations in quality that enhance aerodynamic performance through controlled depth distribution.
2Reliability
If dimples with deeper average depths are used, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the dimple cross-section into five regions with specific depth ranges, the invention provides clear manufacturing guidelines. Each region has defined depth constraints (e.g., region 1: 11-30% of reference line, region 5: 81-100%), which simplifies precision control compared to requiring uniform deep dimples across the entire cross-section.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes aerodynamic performance by changing the depth parameters across different regions rather than using a uniform depth. The depth ratio parameters (d1/d5, d2/d5, d3/d5, d1/d2) are controlled within specific ranges, allowing performance enhancement while maintaining manufacturable precision through parameter-based control.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform dimple depth is maintained, then manufacturing is easier, but the aerodynamic performance is reduced due to lack of optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces local quality variations by defining different depth characteristics for different regions of the dimple cross-section. Region 1 (11-30% reference line) has different depth constraints than region 5 (81-100% reference line), creating localized depth variations that enhance aerodynamic performance while remaining manufacturable through regional specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from uniform depth (one-dimensional simplicity) to depth variation across the cross-sectional dimension. By establishing five regions along the reference line with progressively different depth constraints, the invention adds dimensional complexity to the depth profile, optimizing aerodynamic performance through controlled three-dimensional geometry.
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 optimized dimple shape significantly reduces air resistance, leading to improved aerodynamic properties and increased flight distance, particularly in the carry, by stabilizing the ball's trajectory and enhancing overall flight performance.
Implementation Method 1
reduce the air resistance during flight by means of dimples formed on the ball surface and thus improve the aerodynamic performance
Implementation Method 2
stabilizing the dimple effects during ball flight and enhancing the aerodynamic performance of the ball
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a golf ball with a surface having a plurality of dimples formed thereon. Some or all of the dimples on the ball surface have a cross-sectional shape in which, letting a straight line passing through any one edge of the dimple and a foot of a perpendicular (pedal) dropped from an imaginary plane defined by a peripheral edge of the dimple to a deepest point of the dimple serve as a reference line, and establishing a plurality of specific regions on the reference line from the dimple edge as 0% to the pedal as 100%, the average depths of the dimple from the reference line in the respective established regions satisfy specific conditions. By reducing the air resistance during flight and thus enhancing the aerodynamic performance, this golf ball achieves a higher trajectory, enabling the ball to travel further.