Golf Ball Dimple Patterns with Directional Surface Texturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball dimple patterns fail to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and symmetry, particularly at low Reynolds Numbers and spin ratios, despite various geometric and surface texture configurations, as they do not adequately address the complex interactions of lift and drag forces during flight.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball features a surface with a high percentage of dimples, each incorporating directional surface texturing in the form of linear channels or protrusions, arranged at specific angles to enhance aerodynamic performance, covering over 70% of the surface with at least 50% of dimples having parallel linear elements, which are strategically positioned to maintain symmetry and improve airflow dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dimples are arranged to maximize surface area coverage, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but aerodynamic symmetry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball surface is divided into multiple zones with different dimple configurations. The dimple pattern is segmented into a first plurality and a second plurality, with each zone having dimples of different sizes, shapes, or densities. This segmentation allows optimization of aerodynamic efficiency in specific regions while maintaining overall symmetry through balanced distribution across the ball surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric dimple configurations within symmetric zones. Individual dimples may have asymmetric shapes or orientations, but these are arranged in symmetric patterns across opposing regions of the ball. This allows the ball to exhibit asymmetric flow characteristics that improve aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining symmetric overall behavior for consistent flight regardless of orientation.
2Productivity
If dimple pattern is optimized for specific flight conditions, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but adaptability to different conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the golf ball surface are assigned different dimple characteristics tailored to specific aerodynamic functions. Some zones feature dimples optimized for lift generation, while others are optimized for drag reduction or spin control. This local optimization allows the ball to achieve superior performance in multiple aerodynamic regimes simultaneously, enhancing both specialized performance and overall adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimple pattern is designed to perform multiple aerodynamic functions across different flight conditions. The combination of various dimple sizes, shapes, and distributions enables the ball to effectively manage lift, drag, and spin characteristics throughout its flight trajectory, from initial launch through descent, making it adaptable to varying launch angles, speeds, and environmental conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If geometric dimple shapes are used for symmetry, then aerodynamic symmetry is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency at low Reynolds Numbers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies multiple dimple parameters including size, shape, depth, and spacing to optimize performance at low Reynolds Numbers. Rather than using uniform geometric shapes, the dimples feature varied parameters that enhance turbulent flow generation and boundary layer control, which are critical for aerodynamic efficiency at lower speeds. These parameter variations are distributed symmetrically to maintain overall ball symmetry.
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 configuration significantly enhances the golf ball's aerodynamic characteristics, achieving improved lift and reduced drag, ensuring consistent flight performance regardless of orientation and improving aerodynamic properties at low Reynolds Numbers and spin ratios.
Implementation Method 1
Drag is opposite to the direction of flight and orthogonal to lift. The overall drag force on a ball is attributed pressure drag and viscous or skin friction drag.
Implementation Method 2
Skin friction is a viscous effect residing close to the surface of the ball within the boundary layer.
Implementation Method 3
Lift force is perpendicular to the direction of flight and is a result of air velocity differences above and below the rotating ball. This phenomenon is attributed to Magnus, who described it in 1853 after studying the aerodynamic forces on spinning spheres and cylinders.
Implementation Method 4
Bernoulli's equation relates pressure and velocity where pressure is inversely proportional to the square of velocity. The velocity differential, due to faster moving air on top and slower moving air on the bottom created by the ball's spin, results in lower air pressure on top and an upward directed force on the ball.
Implementation Method 5
In order to minimize pressure drag, dimples provide a means to energize the flow field and delay the separation of flow, or reduce the wake region behind the ball.
Implementation Method 6
The overall drag force on a ball is attributed pressure drag and viscous or skin friction drag. A sphere is a bluff body, which is a somewhat inefficient aerodynamic shape. As a result, the accelerating flow field around the ball causes a large pressure differential with high-pressure forward and low-pressure behind the ball. The low pressure area behind the ball is also known as the wake.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a golf ball having an outer surface comprising a plurality of dimples covering greater than 70 percent of the outer surface, wherein at least 20 percent of the dimples incorporate directional surface texturing therein. The directional surface texturing preferably comprises substantially parallel channels or protrusions formed within the dimples.