Golf Ball Electromagnetic Sorting for Fast Defect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting defects in golf balls are not suitable for a production process because they take long to detect the defects in golf balls.

Innovation Solution

Existing methods for detecting the defects in golf balls are not suitable for a production process because they take long to detect the defects in golf balls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods (visual inspection, floating in liquid) are used to detect defects in golf balls, then defect detection accuracy is improved, but detection time increases making it unsuitable for production processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical inspection methods (visual inspection, floating in liquid) with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The system uses electromagnetic signals to excite the golf ball and analyzes the reflected signals to detect internal defects such as eccentric cores and imbalanced internal media, enabling rapid automated inspection suitable for production processes while maintaining high detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from physical/visual properties to electromagnetic properties. By measuring the reflection characteristics of electromagnetic signals at different frequencies, the system can identify internal defects without requiring time-consuming physical inspection methods, thus reducing detection time while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If electromagnetic signals are used to detect golf ball symmetry and internal uniformity, then detection speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic detection system is designed to perform multiple detection functions using a single apparatus. It can detect various types of defects including eccentric cores, imbalanced internal media, and outer shell damages by analyzing electromagnetic signal reflections at different frequencies, eliminating the need for multiple separate inspection devices and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electromagnetic signals as an intermediary to indirectly detect internal defects. Instead of directly observing or physically interacting with the golf ball's internal structure, the system sends electromagnetic signals through the ball and analyzes the reflected signals, which carry information about internal symmetry and uniformity, enabling fast detection without complex direct measurement devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 apparatus is capable to select the high-quality golf ball that is close to symmetry and internally and externally uniform easily and quickly by using an electromagnetic signal.

Implementation Method 1

a measurer transmitting a signal toward a measurement target golf ball and receiving a signal reflected from or transmitted through the golf ball

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission and reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4335521B1Golf ball sorting device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 EMTELLI INC
  • EP4335521B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4335521B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4335521B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for selecting a high-quality golf ball, the apparatus including a measurer configured to transmit a signal toward a golf ball and receive a signal reflected from the golf ball or a signal transmitted through the golf ball; and an analyzer configured to select a golf ball by analyzing the received signal.