Multi-layer Golf Ball with Soft Intermediate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball designs fail to achieve a balance between high compression and softness, leading to suboptimal rebound characteristics and initial velocity.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball composition featuring a hard, high compression center, a stiff outer cover layer, and a relatively soft intermediate layer with specific material formulations and layer thicknesses to optimize compression and coefficient of restitution (COR).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a hard, high compression center is used, then initial velocity and rebound characteristics are improved, but the ball becomes too hard and loses softness
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball is divided into three distinct layers: a hard high-compression center (50-70 compression), a soft intermediate layer (30-50 compression), and an outer cover layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the center generates initial velocity while the intermediate layer provides softness, resolving the contradiction between speed and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the golf ball are given different material properties - the center is made hard and high-compression for velocity generation, while the intermediate layer is made soft for comfort and feel. This local differentiation of quality allows the ball to simultaneously achieve high initial velocity and maintain softness.
2Reliability
If a soft intermediate layer is used, then rebound characteristics are improved, but compression is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is segmented into layers with the soft intermediate layer (0.060-0.125 inches thick) positioned between the hard center and outer cover. This soft layer acts as a cushion that improves rebound characteristics by absorbing and redistributing impact forces, while the overall ball maintains high compression (50-70) due to the hard center.
Solution Approach 2:
The golf ball uses a composite structure combining materials with different compression ratings - a high-compression center material (50-70 compression) with a soft intermediate layer material (30-50 compression). This composite approach allows the ball to achieve both high overall compression for distance and localized softness for improved rebound characteristics.
3Strength
If a stiff outer cover layer is used, then durability is improved, but the ball loses flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cover layer is segmented as a distinct layer (0.040-0.080 inches thick) with higher hardness (70-90 Shore D) than the intermediate layer. This stiff outer layer provides durability and protection, while the underlying soft intermediate layer maintains overall ball flexibility and adaptability to different playing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer cover layer is given locally high hardness and stiffness properties to provide durability where needed (on the surface that contacts the club and environment), while the interior layers maintain softness and flexibility. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.