Golf Ball Modified Dimple Patterns for Flight Symmetry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls with asymmetrical dimple patterns can result in inconsistent flight performance due to the presence of a straight dimple-free path around the equator, known as the parting line, which affects aerodynamics and symmetry, making them unsuitable for competitive play and recreational use.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modified dimples with specific geometric arrangements and shape factors on golf balls, including catenary cross-sectional shapes, edge angle variations, and chord depth modifications, to create axially symmetric patterns about different geometric centers, ensuring consistent flight performance regardless of orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight dimple-free path (parting line) is present around the equator of the golf ball, then manufacturing is simplified, but flight symmetry and aerodynamic performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally creating dimple patterns that are asymmetric with respect to the parting line. The dimples are arranged such that their distribution, size, or shape varies deliberately across the parting line, transforming the previously harmful asymmetry into a controlled design feature that maintains flight symmetry despite the presence of the parting line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying dimple characteristics (such as depth, diameter, or shape) in specific regions relative to the parting line. Different zones of the golf ball surface have different dimple configurations, allowing the design to compensate for the parting line's disruptive effect in specific locations while maintaining overall flight symmetry.
2Speed
If asymmetrical dimple patterns are used, then aerodynamic characteristics may be optimized in certain directions, but flight consistency and symmetry deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by designing dimple patterns that are deliberately asymmetric relative to the parting line. This controlled asymmetry allows optimization of aerodynamic characteristics in specific directions while the overall symmetric arrangement of such asymmetric patterns across opposite hemispheres ensures flight consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying dimple parameters (such as depth, diameter, spacing, or shape factors) across different regions of the golf ball. These parameter variations are designed to optimize aerodynamic performance while maintaining flight symmetry through balanced distribution of asymmetric dimple groups.
3Stability of the object's composition
If modified dimples with varying shape factors and chord depths are implemented, then flight symmetry is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing modified dimples with varying shape factors and chord depths in specific locations rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This localized modification approach achieves flight symmetry by compensating for parting line effects in critical regions while keeping the overall design manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying dimple geometry parameters (shape factor, chord depth, diameter) in controlled groups. These parameter variations are organized in symmetric patterns that achieve flight consistency while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through limited parameter sets.
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 patterns enhance flight symmetry and aerodynamic performance, meeting the Symmetry Rule standards and providing consistent distance and time in flight, thus improving the golf ball's usability in competitive and recreational golf.
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. The turbulence energizes the boundary layer and helps move the separation points further backward, so that the layer stays attached further along the ball's outer surface. 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
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.
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.