Golf Ball Dipyramid Dimple Layouts for Reduced Flight Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf ball manufacturers face challenges in reducing the flight distance of high-performance balls while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and adherence to USGA distance standards, as existing dimple patterns either reduce performance inefficiently or exceed maximum allowed distances.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball dimple patterns are arranged in dipyramid layouts with asymmetric, non-symmetric dimple sections featuring multiple dimple sizes and edge angles, achieving low surface coverage of about 70% or less, optimizing aerodynamic consistency and trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dimple patterns with increased surface coverage are used, then aerodynamic efficiency and distance are improved, but flight distance exceeds USGA maximum standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying dimple surface coverage from high (exceeding USGA standards) to low (70% or less), while also changing dimple arrangement patterns from conventional to dipyramid-based asymmetric layouts. This reconfiguration of geometric parameters achieves reduced flight distance while preserving aerodynamic efficiency through optimized flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by arranging dimples in asymmetric patterns within dipyramid-based layouts rather than conventional symmetric arrangements. This asymmetric configuration, combined with low surface coverage, creates unique aerodynamic flow patterns that reduce flight distance while maintaining efficiency, distinguishing it from traditional high-coverage symmetric designs.
2Length of moving object
If inefficient dimple patterns with low surface coverage are used, then flight distance is reduced, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the dimple pattern into specific arrangements within dipyramid-based layouts, creating structured zones of dimples at low surface coverage. This segmented organization, rather than random or uniform low-coverage patterns, optimizes aerodynamic flow to maintain efficiency while achieving reduced flight distance through controlled distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms low surface coverage from a disadvantage into an advantage by changing the arrangement parameters to dipyramid-based asymmetric patterns. This parameter transformation allows the low-coverage design to achieve both reduced flight distance and maintained aerodynamic efficiency, reversing the conventional trade-off.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional dimple patterns are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but flight distance control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying precise geometric parameters for dipyramid-based layouts and asymmetric dimple arrangements, enabling controlled flight distance through defined structural parameters rather than conventional patterns. These parameter specifications provide the precision needed for USGA compliance while remaining manufacturable through standard molding techniques.
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 dipyramid dimple patterns effectively reduce flight distance while maintaining a high-performance trajectory, addressing the need for reduced-flight golf balls that comply with USGA standards.
Implementation Method 1
The aerodynamic forces acting on a golf ball are typically resolved into orthogonal components of lift (FL) and drag (FD)
Implementation Method 2
The air separates from the surface of the ball, leaving a large turbulent flow area with low pressure, i.e., the wake
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls having dimple patterns arranged in dipyramid layouts are disclosed. The patterns may be arranged in triangular dipyramid, quadrilateral dipyramid, pentagonal dipyramid, or hexagonal dipyramid layouts. The dipyramid patterns have six, eight, ten, or twelve substantially identical dimple sections, where each dimple section is defined by a spherical triangle. The dimples in each of the identical dimple sections have at least two different dimple diameters including a minimum dimple diameter and a maximum dimple diameter. The resulting dimple patterns have a surface coverage of about 70 percent or less. The reduced surface coverage helps to reduce the flight of the golf balls.