Multi-piece Golf Ball Intermediate Layer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-piece solid golf balls do not fully optimize core hardness profiles and thickness relationships, leading to suboptimal flight performance and feel for amateur golfers with low head speeds.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece solid golf ball design with a core, envelope layer, inner intermediate layer, and outer intermediate layer, where the surface hardness relationship satisfies specific conditions, including a Shore D hardness limit for the envelope layer-encased sphere, and a core hardness profile with defined surface areas, to achieve improved flight and feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the intermediate layer is formed as a single layer with optimized surface hardness, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the flight performance and feel at impact for low-head-speed golfers cannot be fully optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer is divided into two distinct layers: an inner intermediate layer with Shore D hardness of 40-55 and an outer intermediate layer with Shore D hardness of 50-65. This segmentation allows each layer to perform different functions - the inner layer provides cushioning for soft feel at impact, while the outer layer contributes to flight stability, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and performance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different hardness values are assigned to different regions (layers) of the intermediate structure. The inner intermediate layer has lower hardness (40-55 Shore D) to provide soft feel at impact, while the outer intermediate layer has higher hardness (50-65 Shore D) to enhance flight performance. This local differentiation of properties allows simultaneous optimization of both feel and flight characteristics.
2Ease of manufacture
If the core hardness profile is simplified, then the manufacturing process is easier, but the flight performance and feel at impact are not fully optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The core hardness is precisely controlled within the range of 40-55 Shore D, and the thickness ratios of the layers are optimized. By adjusting these parameters - specifically maintaining core hardness between 40-55 Shore D and controlling the envelope layer thickness at 0.3-1.0 mm - the patent achieves both ease of manufacture and optimized flight performance and feel at impact for low-head-speed golfers.
Data Source
AI summary
In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover, the intermediate layer is formed into two layers—an inner layer and an outer layer. The surface hardness of the envelope layer-encased sphere, the surface hardness of the inner intermediate layer-encased sphere, the surface hardness of the outer intermediate layer-encased sphere and the surface hardness of the ball together satisfy a specific relationship. This ball has an excellent flight when struck by golfers whose head speeds are not that fast and has a soft yet good feel at impact, thus making it highly suitable for amateur golfers.