Multi-Layer Core Golf Ball Hardness Gradient Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf balls face challenges in achieving a balance between spin rate and playing characteristics, with two-piece balls offering high durability and distance but low spin control, and three-piece balls providing spin but with manufacturing difficulties and increased costs due to complex core layer constructions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered core golf ball design featuring a two-layer core with each layer having a hardness gradient, including positive, negative, or combined gradients, optimized to reduce manufacturing complexity and costs while enhancing spin control and distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-piece golf ball construction is used, then durability and distance are improved, but spin control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball is divided into multiple layers (cover layer, intermediate layer, and core layer) with distinct material compositions and hardness values. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to the ball's performance, with the core providing durability and distance while the cover and intermediate layers enable spin control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the golf ball are assigned different material properties - the core uses softer materials for elasticity and distance, while the cover uses harder, more durable materials. The intermediate layer bridges these properties, creating local quality variations that simultaneously achieve durability and spin control.
2Ease of operation
If a three-piece golf ball construction is used, then spin control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of separate core and cover layers into an integrated multi-layer structure where the intermediate layer serves multiple purposes. This merging reduces manufacturing steps compared to traditional three-piece balls while maintaining spin control benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes specific parameters such as layer thickness ratios (cover layer 0.5-2.0mm, intermediate layer 1.0-3.0mm, core layer 3.0-6.0mm) and hardness values to achieve desired spin control with simplified manufacturing processes, balancing performance requirements with manufacturing feasibility.
3Ease of operation
If a three-piece golf ball construction is used, then spin control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball is divided into multiple layers (cover layer, intermediate layer, and core layer) with distinct material compositions and hardness values. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to the ball's performance, with the core providing durability and distance while the cover and intermediate layers enable spin control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the golf ball are assigned different material properties - the core uses softer materials for elasticity and distance, while the cover uses harder, more durable materials. The intermediate layer bridges these properties, creating local quality variations that simultaneously achieve durability and spin control.
4Speed
If hard core materials are used, then distance is improved, but spin rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the golf ball are assigned different material properties - the core uses softer materials for elasticity and distance, while the cover uses harder, more durable materials. The intermediate layer bridges these properties, creating local quality variations that simultaneously achieve durability and spin control.
Solution Approach 2:
The golf ball employs composite material construction with the core made of softer elastomeric materials and the cover made of harder, more durable materials. This composite structure allows the soft core to generate spin while the hard cover maintains durability and promotes distance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next.