Golf Ball Dimple Profile with Conical Sidewall and Spherical Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf ball dimples lack control over edge angle independently from diameter and depth, limiting aerodynamic performance, and existing non-spherical dimple designs often result in sharp demarcation lines or cumbersome mathematical descriptions.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball dimples feature a top conical sidewall and a bottom portion with a saucer ratio between 0.05 and 0.75, defined by polynomial, trigonometric, hyperbolic, or exponential functions, allowing for independent control of edge angle and chord depth to optimize aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spherical dimples are used, then manufacturing is simple, but edge angle cannot be controlled independently from diameter and depth
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple profile is segmented into distinct zones: a top conical sidewall region and a bottom spherical cap region. This segmentation allows independent control of the edge angle (determined by the conical portion) from the depth and diameter (determined by the spherical cap portion), resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimple profile transitions from a symmetric spherical shape to an asymmetric composite shape with a conical sidewall and spherical bottom. This asymmetric design enables independent specification of edge angle and depth parameters, providing the desired adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing approach.
2Reliability
If non-spherical dimple designs are used to control edge angle, then aerodynamic performance improves, but sharp demarcation lines appear
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom portion of the dimple is designed as a spherical cap with a radius of curvature that provides a smooth transition from the conical sidewall. This curved transition eliminates sharp demarcation lines while maintaining the non-spherical shape needed for controlled edge angle and improved aerodynamic performance.
3Reliability
If non-spherical dimple designs are used to control edge angle, then aerodynamic performance improves, but mathematical description becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The complex dimple profile is divided into two mathematically simple segments: a conical sidewall defined by linear equations and a spherical cap defined by a sphere equation. This segmentation allows the overall complex shape to be described using simple, well-known mathematical forms, avoiding cumbersome equations while achieving the desired aerodynamic performance.
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 aerodynamic performance by reducing drag and increasing lift, offering a smooth continuous profile that improves the flight distance of golf balls without the limitations of conventional spherical dimples.
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
This greatly increases the pressure behind the ball and substantially reduces the drag.
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.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a golf ball having dimples with a cross-sectional profile comprising a conical top portion and a bottom portion. More particularly, the profiles of the present invention are defined by three independent parameters: dimple diameter (DD), edge angle (ΦEDGE), and saucer ratio (Sr). These parameters fully define the dimple shape and allow for greater flexibility in constructing a dimple profile versus conventional spherical dimples. The dimples optionally have a transition surface connecting the conical top portion to the land area of the golf ball and/or a transition surface connecting the conical top portion to the bottom portion.