Golf Ball Dimple Cross-Sectional Shape for Trajectory Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls that focus on reducing distance at high head speeds fail to stabilize the ball trajectory effectively, leading to inconsistent flight performance.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball features a large number of dimples with a specific cross-sectional shape where the edge angles at 10%, 20%, and 30% depths satisfy the condition ED1 < ED2 > ED3, and the lift-to-drag coefficient ratios are optimized to achieve a balanced aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If dimples are designed to reduce distance at high head speeds, then distance for long hitters is reduced, but trajectory stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing different dimple cross-sectional shapes for different regions of the ball surface. Specifically, dimples are categorized into multiple types based on their cross-sectional shapes (e.g., types A-D with different edge angle configurations), and these different types are distributed across the ball surface. This allows different local regions to have different aerodynamic characteristics, enabling the ball to achieve both distance reduction at high speeds and trajectory stability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by defining specific asymmetric cross-sectional shapes for the dimples. The edge angles at different depths (ED1 at 10% depth, ED2 at 20% depth, ED3 at 30% depth) are designed with asymmetric relationships (ED1 < ED2 > ED3), creating non-uniform aerodynamic properties that optimize both distance control and flight stability.
2Productivity
If dimple shape is optimized for aerodynamic performance, then distance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining specific quantitative ranges for dimple geometric parameters (edge angles ED1, ED2, ED3 at specific depth percentages, diameter ratios, depth ratios). These parameter specifications provide clear manufacturing targets while allowing some tolerance ranges. The use of ratio-based definitions (e.g., diameter ratios, depth ratios) makes the design scalable and easier to manufacture with standard precision equipment.
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 reduces the distance on shots with a driver by long hitters while maintaining distance for average hitters, thereby stabilizing the ball trajectory and improving overall flight stability.
Implementation Method 1
air resistance during flight is reduced by dimples formed on a ball surface to improve aerodynamic properties
Implementation Method 2
when a ratio CL1/CD1 of a lift coefficient CL1 at a Reynolds number of 218,000 and a spin rate of 2,800 rpm to a drag coefficient CD1 is denoted by A1
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a golf ball in which dimples are formed on a ball surface, wherein when edge angles at points where depths are 10%, 20%, and 30% in a cross-section of one dimple are denoted as ED1, ED2, and ED3, respectively, dimples with a cross-sectional shape satisfying the following condition (1):ED1<ED2>ED3(1)account for at least 10% of a total number of the dimples, and further a ratio A1 of a lift coefficient at a Reynolds number of 218,000 and a spin rate of 2,800 rpm to a drag coefficient, a ratio A2 of a lift coefficient at a Reynolds number of 184,000 and a spin rate of 2,900 rpm to a drag coefficient, and a ratio A3 of a lift coefficient at a Reynolds number of 158,000 and a spin rate of 3,100 rpm to a drag coefficient are optimized.