Multi-piece Golf Ball Hardness Profile for Distance and Spin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls designed for amateur golfers with moderate head speeds often fall short in achieving optimal distance, spin rate, and feel, particularly when hit with drivers and irons, due to insufficient material properties and layer configurations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece solid golf ball with a rubber composition core and polyurethane cover, where the surface hardness of the ball is less than or equal to the surface hardness of the intermediate layer-encased sphere, and specific hardness profiles and layer thicknesses are optimized to achieve a balanced performance in distance, spin, and feel, with a coating layer providing additional durability and scuff resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional multilayer golf balls are used, then distance and controllability are improved, but spin rate on approach shots is insufficient and feel at impact is hard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct hardness zones within the core layer through controlled radial density gradients. The core has varying hardness from center to surface, with softer regions near the center providing spin control on approach shots and harder regions toward the surface maintaining distance on drives. This localized property variation resolves the contradiction between distance and spin rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple polymer types with different viscoelastic properties in the core and cover layers. The core utilizes blends of polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, and other elastomers to achieve the desired hardness profile. The cover uses ionomer resins with specific tie-layer compositions to optimize both distance and spin characteristics simultaneously.
2Speed
If conventional multilayer golf balls are used, then distance is improved, but feel at impact is hard and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the hardness profile of the core through varying crosslinking density and polymer composition from the center to the surface. The core hardness is optimized to provide a softer feel at impact while maintaining the distance performance. The cover hardness and layer thickness parameters are also adjusted to enhance feel without sacrificing distance.
3Ease of operation
If golf balls are designed for amateur golfers with moderate head speeds, then ease of operation is improved, but distance and spin rate are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a core with radial density gradients that allow the ball to dynamically respond to different impact conditions. At lower head speeds typical of amateur golfers, the softer core regions engage to maximize spin and control. At higher impact forces, the harder core regions provide the necessary rebound for distance. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and performance.
4Strength
If cover hardness is increased to improve durability, then strength is improved, but spin rate on approach shots decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct hardness zones within the core layer through controlled radial density gradients. The core has varying hardness from center to surface, with softer regions near the center providing spin control on approach shots and harder regions toward the surface maintaining distance on drives. This localized property variation resolves the contradiction between distance and spin rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple polymer types with different viscoelastic properties in the core and cover layers. The core utilizes blends of polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, and other elastomers to achieve the desired hardness profile. The cover uses ionomer resins with specific tie-layer compositions to optimize both distance and spin characteristics simultaneously.
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 golf ball exhibits excellent flight performance, high spin rates on approach shots, and a soft, comfortable feel, while maintaining durability and resistance to scuffing, providing a competitive edge in the short game and prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
the time t1 required from contact initiation between the driver and the ball for deformation of the ball to reach a maximum value and the time t2 required from the state of maximum ball deformation for the ball and driver clubface to separate
Data Source
AI summary
In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core formed of a rubber composition, an intermediate layer formed of a polyurethane material and a cover, the ball satisfies the following condition: surface hardness of ball≤surface hardness of intermediate layer-encased sphere. When the ball is struck with a driver at a head speed of 40 m/s, the sum of the time t1 required from contact initiation between the driver and ball for deformation of the ball to reach a maximum value and the time t2 required from the state of maximum ball deformation for the ball and driver clubface to separate is at least 685 microseconds, and the ratio t2/t1 is at least 1.35, and the core has a specific hardness profile. This ball has an excellent flight performance when hit by low or moderate head-speed golfers, is receptive to spin on approach shots and has a good, soft feel at impact.