Golf Ball Dimple Pattern for Visual Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf balls often have a large number of small dimples, which can lead to confusion when distinguishing between visually identical balls, potentially resulting in incorrect ball selection during play.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball design features a tetrahedral-type dimple pattern with a smaller number of larger dimples, where at least 90% of dimples are greater than 0.12 inches in diameter, and at least 50% are greater than or equal to 0.18 inches, with distinct diameters and configurations in quadrant regions to differentiate each ball visually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of small dimples are used on the golf ball surface, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the visual differentiation between balls becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different dimple configurations in different regions of the golf ball surface. Specifically, it uses a first dimple pattern in a first region and a second dimple pattern in a second region, where the patterns differ in characteristics such as dimple size, depth, or spacing. This allows the ball to maintain aerodynamic performance through optimized dimple distribution while providing visual differentiation through regional variations that can be detected by players.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by introducing non-uniform dimple patterns across the ball surface. Rather than using identical dimple configurations throughout, it creates asymmetric patterns where dimples vary in size, shape, or arrangement in different zones. This asymmetric design ensures that no two balls appear identical, aiding player differentiation while the overall dimple configuration maintains aerodynamic efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional dimple patterns are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but ball identification becomes confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the golf ball surface into multiple regions, each with distinct dimple patterns. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce balls with differentiated appearances while using standardized manufacturing processes for each region. The segmented approach enables clear visual identification features to be integrated into the manufacturing process rather than requiring post-production customization.
Solution Approach 2:
While the patent primarily focuses on dimensional variations in dimples rather than color changes, it does utilize visual differentiation through variations in dimple characteristics (size, depth, spacing) that create distinguishable appearances. This approach achieves ball identification without requiring additional coloring processes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving ball selection ease.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of golf balls and methods to manufacture golf balls are generally described herein. In one example, a golf ball may include a plurality of round dimples and a plurality of non-round dimples. Each round dimple may have a dimple diameter, and each non-round dimple may have a dimple diagonal. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.