Multi-layer Golf Ball Hard Intermediate Layer Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing golf ball designs fail to achieve a balance between low compression for soft feel and high compression for distance, with most having outer layers harder than inner layers, which limits their performance in terms of rebound and initial velocity.

Innovation Solution

A golf ball design featuring a soft, low compression center, a flexible outer cover layer, and a relatively hard, high compression intermediate layer between the center and the outer cover, utilizing a polybutadiene composition for the center and intermediate layers, and a specific flexural modulus for the outer cover to enhance performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the outer layers are made harder than the inner layers, then the golf ball achieves better durability and structure, but the rebound characteristics and initial velocity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveouter layer hardnessVSAvoidinitial velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional hardness gradient by making the intermediate layer harder than both the center and outer cover layers. This reversal of the traditional soft-center-hard-outer structure creates a unique hardness profile (soft center → hard intermediate layer → soft outer cover) that simultaneously achieves durability and enhanced rebound characteristics with higher initial velocity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the center compression is reduced for soft feel, then the golf ball provides a softer feel, but the rebound and distance performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoft feelVSAvoidrebound velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the golf ball into three distinct layers with different compression characteristics. The center maintains low compression (≤50) for soft feel, while the intermediate layer provides high compression (≥60) for rebound performance. This segmentation allows each layer to independently contribute its specific property without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different compression values to different regions of the golf ball. The center region has low compression for soft feel, the intermediate layer has high compression for rebound, and the outer cover has moderate properties. This localized optimization of compression in each region resolves the contradiction between soft feel and rebound performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If a three-layer structure with hard intermediate layer is implemented, then rebound characteristics and initial velocity improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverebound characteristicsVSAvoidlayer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses segmentation to divide the golf ball into three functional layers, each with specific hardness and compression properties. This segmentation enables the hard intermediate layer to provide enhanced rebound characteristics while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through clear functional differentiation of each layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8840491B2Multi-layer golf ball

Publication Date: 2014.09.23 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

Multi-layer golf balls having a soft, low compression center; a soft, flexible outer cover layer; and a relatively hard, high compression intermediate layer disposed between the center and the outer cover layer are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is greater than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.