Golf Ball Dimple Plan Shape Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball designs lack focus on dimple plan shape as a key variable for optimizing aerodynamic characteristics, leading to suboptimal surface coverage uniformity and packing efficiency, which affects lift and drag performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plurality of dimples with non-circular plan shapes defined by low frequency periodic functions along simple closed paths, such as sine, sawtooth, triangle, or square wave functions, to enhance dimple packing efficiency and surface coverage uniformity, thereby controlling aerodynamic behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional circular dimple shapes are used, then manufacturing is simple, but surface coverage uniformity and packing efficiency are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from conventional circular (symmetrical) dimple shapes to non-circular dimple plan shapes defined by periodic functions. These asymmetric shapes enable better packing efficiency and surface coverage uniformity across the golf ball surface, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and surface coverage quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by defining dimple plan shapes through mathematical periodic functions with adjustable parameters (amplitude, frequency, phase). By optimizing these parameters, the invention achieves superior surface coverage uniformity and packing efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through consistent dimensional control.
2Productivity
If dimple packing efficiency is increased, then aerodynamic performance improves, but dimple arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the golf ball surface into systematically arranged non-circular dimple units defined by periodic functions. This segmentation approach enables higher packing efficiency while maintaining organized, repeatable patterns that reduce arrangement complexity compared to random or conventional circular dimple layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by using periodic mathematical functions to define dimple plan shapes and their arrangements. This periodicity creates regular, predictable patterns across the ball surface that maximize packing efficiency while simplifying the overall arrangement through mathematical consistency and repeatability.
3Reliability
If non-circular dimple shapes are used, then aerodynamic characteristics are optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining non-circular dimple shapes through periodic functions with controlled parameters (amplitude, frequency, phase). This mathematical approach enables optimization of aerodynamic characteristics while maintaining manufacturability, as the parameters can be precisely controlled during manufacturing to achieve consistent, high-precision non-circular shapes.
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 use of low frequency periodic dimple shapes improves aerodynamic performance by reducing drag, enhancing turbulence management, and increasing surface coverage, allowing for finer tuning of golf ball flight characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The dimples on a golf 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.
Implementation Method 2
The turbulence energizes the boundary layer and helps it stay attached further around the ball to reduce the area of the wake.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to golf balls having improved aerodynamic performance due, at least in part, to the selection of the plan shapes of the dimples thereon. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball that includes at least a portion of its dimples having a plan shape defined by low frequency periodic functions along a closed simple path. In addition, the present invention provides methods for designing dimples having a plan shape defined by a low frequency periodic function along a closed simple path.