Polyurethane Golf Ball Impact Timing for Fair Distance and Spin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls designed for high and low head speed golfers result in significant distance disparities and lack controllability in short games, making skill-based competition unfair.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball with a polyurethane cover, specific diameter and weight, and controlled deformation times upon impact, along with a core and intermediate layer composition to balance spin and distance for both types of golfers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If golf balls are optimized for high head speed golfers (45 m/s), then distance is improved, but lower head speed golfers (40 m/s) are at a disadvantage with excessive distance difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific physical parameters of the golf ball including diameter (42.6-43.8mm), weight (44.0-45.0g), and deformation time characteristics (t1+t2 between 600-660μsec) to achieve balanced performance across different head speed ranges, reducing the distance disparity between high and low head speed golfers
2Speed
If golf balls are optimized for low head speed golfers (40 m/s), then spin rate and controllability are improved, but distance on driver shots is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully balances parameters including ball diameter (42.6-43.8mm), weight (44.0-45.0g), and deformation time (t1+t2: 600-660μsec) to achieve optimal spin rate for controllability while maintaining sufficient distance on driver shots, avoiding the trade-off present in conventional designs
3Reliability
If ball diameter is increased to reduce distance difference, then fairness between golfers is improved, but run on iron shots becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a precise diameter range (42.6-43.8mm) that is sufficient to reduce distance difference between golfers with different head speeds, while being controlled to prevent excessive run on iron shots, achieving a balance between fairness and shot control
4Reliability
If ball weight is decreased to reduce distance difference, then fairness between golfers is improved, but spin rate and controllability in short game are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a precise weight range (44.0-45.0g) that reduces distance difference between golfers with different head speeds, while maintaining sufficient spin rate and controllability in short game, avoiding the performance degradation that would result from further weight reduction
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
Reduces distance disparities and enhances controllability in short games, allowing fair skill-based competition.
Implementation Method 1
the time t1 required from initial contact by the driver with the ball for deformation of the ball to reach a maximum and the time t2 required from the state of maximum ball deformation for the ball and driver to separate
Implementation Method 2
in an impact test carried out by hitting the ball with a driver at a head speed of 40 m/s
Data Source
AI summary
In a golf ball having a core and a cover, the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane, the ball has a diameter of at least 42.8 mm and a weight of not more than 44.9 g and, in an impact test carried out by hitting the ball with a driver at a head speed of 40 m/s, the sum t1+t2 of the time t1 required from initial contact by the driver with the ball for deformation of the ball to reach a maximum and the time t2 required from the state of maximum ball deformation for the ball and driver to separate is not more than 660 μsec. This golf ball makes it possible for golfers who have a high head speed and ordinary golfers who do not to compete without relying excessively on superiority in terms of distance.