Golf Ball Dimple Patterns via Irregular Polyhedral Tessellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball dimple patterns struggle to achieve optimal aerodynamic efficiency and symmetry, with limited geometric shapes and arrangements leading to suboptimal surface coverage and performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of irregular domains generated from polyhedrons, packed with dimples and tessellated onto the golf ball surface, allowing for unique dimple patterns with varying diameters and arrangements that enhance symmetry and aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional geometric dimple patterns are used, then manufacturing is simple, but aerodynamic efficiency and surface coverage are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball surface is divided into multiple irregular domains, each containing a specific number of dimples arranged in unique patterns. This segmentation allows for optimized aerodynamic performance in each domain while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Each irregular domain features locally optimized dimple arrangements with varying diameters and configurations tailored to specific aerodynamic requirements. This local quality approach enables different regions of the ball to have customized dimple patterns for enhanced overall performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If dimples are arranged to maximize surface coverage, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but symmetry may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric irregular domains with non-uniform dimple distributions that, when combined in specific configurations, achieve overall aerodynamic symmetry. The asymmetric local patterns are strategically arranged to balance forces and maintain symmetric flight characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimple parameters including diameter, depth, and spacing are varied across different domains to optimize surface coverage while maintaining aerodynamic symmetry. Parameters are adjusted locally within each irregular domain to achieve both high coverage and symmetric performance.
3Reliability
If irregular domains with varying dimple diameters are used, then aerodynamic performance is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into creating standardized irregular domain templates that can be replicated across the ball surface. Each template contains pre-defined dimple patterns with varying diameters, allowing complex patterns to be manufactured through repeated application of standardized units.
Solution Approach 2:
While dimple parameters vary within domains for performance optimization, the variation follows systematic patterns that can be controlled during manufacturing. The parameter changes are implemented through adjustable molding techniques that maintain consistency across multiple domains.
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 approach results in improved aerodynamic efficiency and symmetry, providing more even dimple distribution and masking the ball's parting line, leading to enhanced flight stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
tessellating the domains onto the surface of the golf ball
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.