Golf Ball Modified Dimple Pattern Flight Symmetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls often exhibit asymmetrical flight performance due to asymmetries in dimple patterns, particularly caused by the straight dimple-free path around the equator, which can lead to inconsistent flight distances and times when oriented differently, violating the Symmetry Rule set by the United States Golf Association and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball features a combination of unmodified and modified dimples with catenary cross-sectional shapes, arranged in axially symmetric patterns about different geometric centers, with modifications in shape factor and chord depth to improve symmetry, reducing drag and enhancing lift while maintaining consistent flight performance across orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dimples are arranged in a conventional pattern with a straight dimple-free path around the equator, then manufacturing is simplified, but flight symmetry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately creating symmetrical patterns through asymmetric design processes. The dimple pattern is designed to be symmetric about multiple axes (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal) by strategically placing dimples in corresponding positions across different hemispheres, counteracting the inherent asymmetry introduced by the parting line and manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by modifying specific regions of the dimple pattern while maintaining uniformity in other areas. The first and second sets of dimples have different characteristics (different sizes, depths, or distributions) to locally compensate for asymmetries in specific flight orientations, while the overall pattern maintains global symmetry
2Loss of energy
If dimples are made deeper to reduce drag, then aerodynamic performance improves, but flight symmetry deteriorates due to exaggerated asymmetric effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the depth, diameter, or shape factors of different dimple groups. The first set of dimples has different parameters than the second set, allowing optimization of drag reduction while maintaining flight symmetry through compensatory design across symmetric positions
3Length of moving object
If the ball is optimized for maximum distance in one orientation, then flight distance improves, but consistency across orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a dimple pattern that performs consistently across multiple flight orientations. The symmetric arrangement of dimples with different characteristics in different sets ensures that the ball maintains reliable and consistent flight performance regardless of how it is oriented when struck, making the ball universally performant across all orientations
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 modified dimple pattern enhances flight symmetry and consistency, ensuring the golf ball flies the same distance and time regardless of its orientation, meeting commercial and competitive standards by minimizing the effects of the parting line and buffing artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
The dimples on a golf ball cause the thin boundary layer to flow in a turbulent manner. Rather than flowing in smooth, continuous layers (i.e., a laminar boundary layer), this turbulent boundary layer has a microscopic pattern of fluctuations and randomized flow.
Implementation Method 2
The air develops a thin boundary layer adjacent to the ball's outer surface. The dimples on a golf ball cause the thin boundary layer to flow in a turbulent manner.
Implementation Method 3
The difference in the high pressure in front of the ball and the low pressure behind the ball slows the ball down. This is the primary source of drag, which is the air resistance that acts on the golf ball in the direction opposite the ball's flight direction. As a result, there is a reduction in the area of the wake, increasing the average pressure behind the ball, and a substantial reduction in drag.
Implementation Method 4
The shape of each dimple is also important in optimizing lift, which is an upward force on the ball that is created by a difference in pressure between the top of the ball and the bottom of the ball. This difference in pressure is created by a warp in the air flow that results from the ball's backspin.
Implementation Method 5
This difference in pressure is created by a warp in the air flow that results from the ball's backspin. As a result, the air above the ball is at a lower pressure than the air underneath the ball. This pressure difference results in the overall force, called lift, which is exerted upwardly on the ball.
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls including at least one modified dimple group are disclosed. The modified dimple group comprises one or more modified dimples forming an axially symmetric pattern about a Correction Area Centroid located on an axis of symmetry at a latitude greater than 0° , where 0° represents the hemispherical pole and 90° represents the equator. The modified dimples can be altered, for example, by changing dimple coverage, dimple diameter, dimple depth, dimple edge angle, dimple volume, dimple cross-sectional shape, and/or dimple plan shape. Optionally, the dimples have a catenary cross-sectional shape and the modified dimples are altered by changing the shape factor and/or chord depth. Such modifications preferably produce a golf ball that flies more consistently regardless of orientation when struck than a corresponding golf ball without such modifications.