Multi-piece Golf Ball Distance Control via Intermediate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls fail to balance distance reduction for long hitters while maintaining distance and controllability for average hitters, and do not account for potential changes in test conditions by the R&A and USGA to suppress distance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece solid golf ball with a core, surrounding layer, and intermediate layer, featuring a spin-type multilayer structure with specific initial velocity relationships and dimple design to suppress distance for long hitters without affecting average hitters, while ensuring high controllability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a low-trajectory dimple design is used to reduce distance for long hitters, then distance suppression for long hitters is improved, but distance for average hitters is excessively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the golf ball into multiple functional layers (core, surrounding layer, intermediate layer, cover) with distinct properties. Each layer contributes differently to ball performance, allowing selective control over distance characteristics for different player types while maintaining acceptable performance for others.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating an intermediate layer with specific hardness and thickness parameters positioned between the core and cover. This localized structural modification with controlled hardness gradient (0.5≤Hardness difference≤2.0) enables selective distance suppression for high-speed impacts while preserving distance for moderate-speed impacts.
2Speed
If the ball structure is optimized to increase distance for driver shots, then distance for driver shots is improved, but distance suppression for long hitters cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamic response characteristics through the intermediate layer's specific hardness and thickness configuration. The layer creates a progressive deformation mechanism that adapts to impact conditions: providing distance enhancement for normal impacts while delivering distance suppression for high-speed long hitter impacts, achieving context-dependent performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by precisely controlling the intermediate layer's hardness (Shore C 80-95), thickness (0.3-1.5mm), and hardness difference with surrounding layer (0.5≤Hardness difference≤2.0). These parameter optimizations enable the ball to exhibit different performance characteristics based on impact conditions, simultaneously addressing distance enhancement and suppression requirements.
3Strength
If the intermediate layer hardness is increased to improve durability, then durability is improved, but controllability in short game deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the intermediate layer's hardness parameter within a specific range (Shore C 80-95) and controls its thickness (0.3-1.5mm) to achieve a balance between durability and controllability. The hardness difference constraint (0.5≤Hardness difference≤2.0) with the surrounding layer ensures sufficient structural integrity while maintaining the softness needed for short game spin and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite multi-layer structure where the intermediate layer acts as a transition zone between the harder surrounding layer and the softer cover. This composite arrangement with carefully controlled hardness gradients provides both the durability needed for repeated impacts and the flexibility required for short game controllability and spin generation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball including a core, a surrounding layer, an intermediate layer, and a cover, in which a large number of dimples are formed on an outside surface of the cover, the core is formed of a single layer or a plurality of layers of a rubber composition, the surrounding layer is formed of a single layer or a plurality of layers of a resin composition, the intermediate layer and the cover are both formed of a single layer of a resin composition, and a relationship between an initial velocity of an intermediate layer-encased sphere and an initial velocity of the ball satisfies the following condition:(initial velocity of ball)<(initial velocity of intermediate layer-encased sphere).Further, a deflection of the ball under a predetermined load is optimized, and a lift coefficient and a drag coefficient at a predetermined Reynolds number and spin rate of the dimples are set within a predetermined range.