Four-Piece Golf Ball Hardness Gradient for Spin Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls face challenges in achieving maximum coefficient of restitution (C.O.R.) without violating U.S.G.A. velocity limitations, while also requiring low driver spin rates and a soft shot feel for improved short-game playability.
Innovation Solution
A four-piece golf ball design with specific flexural modulus and Shore D hardness ranges for core and mantle layers, along with a multi-layered structure incorporating ionomeric polymers and nanofillers, to optimize C.O.R. and feel without exceeding velocity limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a multi-layer construction with intermediate mantle layers is used, then C.O.R. and ball speed are improved, but the ball spin rate increases which reduces distance
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball is divided into multiple layers with distinct functions: a high-resilience core for C.O.R., an inner mantle layer with specific hardness (50-70 Shore D) to control spin, and an outer mantle layer (30-50 Shore D) for feel and distance. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize different performance parameters simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers are assigned different hardness values and material properties tailored to their specific functions. The inner mantle layer uses a harder material to reduce driver spin, while the outer mantle layer uses a softer material for improved feel and short-game performance, resolving the contradiction between speed and spin control.
2Ease of operation
If softer cover materials are used to improve feel and spin control, then playability is improved, but ball speed and C.O.R. decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The ball structure separates the functions of speed generation (core) and feel/control (mantle layers). The core maintains high C.O.R. for ball speed, while the multi-layer mantle structure provides soft feel and spin control, allowing both hard and soft properties to coexist in different parts of the ball.
Solution Approach 2:
The mantle layers use composite material structures with specific hardness ranges that combine the benefits of both hard and soft materials, achieving a balance between ball speed and playability that neither material could provide alone.
3Strength
If a two-piece construction is used, then durability and distance are improved, but spin control and playability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is segmented into three or more layers, adding intermediate mantle layers between the durable core and the cover. These mantle layers specifically target spin control and playability without compromising the durability of the core or the overall distance performance.
4Ease of operation
If wound construction with elastic thread is used, then spin control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material layers (inner and outer mantle layers with specific hardness ranges) to achieve spin control without the complex winding process. This material-based solution replaces the mechanical winding construction, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining spin control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A four-piece solid golf ball construction is disclosed, including one or more core layers, an inner mantle layer, an outer mantle layer, and one or more cover layers. The inner mantle layer has a Shore D hardness in the range of 20 to 60, and the outer mantle layer has a Shore D hardness in the range of 40 to 80 and exceeding that of the inner mantle layer by at least 3. The solid golf ball provides a high spin rate when struck not only by a full 8-iron, but also by a soft pitching wedge, for short shots near a putting green.