Golf Ball Dimple Patterns with Irregular Domains for Surface Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball dimple patterns based on geometric shapes often result in less than optimal surface coverage and aerodynamic efficiency, limited by symmetry requirements, making it difficult to improve aerodynamic properties.
Innovation Solution
The dimples are arranged in multiple irregular domains generated from polyhedrons, using a midpoint to midpoint method to create unique patterns with varying dimple diameters and symmetries, minimizing great circles and maximizing surface coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dimple patterns are based on geometric shapes and symmetry requirements, then aerodynamic symmetry is maintained, but surface coverage and aerodynamic efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from traditional symmetric geometric dimple patterns to asymmetric irregular domains. The irregular domains are generated using polyhedral structures that do not conform to regular geometric shapes, allowing for more efficient surface coverage while maintaining functional aerodynamic symmetry through the overall distribution pattern across the golf ball surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the golf ball surface into multiple irregular domains derived from polyhedral structures. Each domain contains multiple dimples arranged in specific patterns, and these domains are distributed across the entire surface. This segmentation approach allows for optimized local dimple arrangements within each domain while achieving global surface coverage optimization.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional geometric dimple patterns are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual or simple geometric pattern generation methods with computer-generated irregular domains based on polyhedral mathematics. This substitution enables complex, optimized dimple arrangements that would be difficult to achieve through conventional manufacturing planning, while still being manufacturable through modern molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of dimple pattern design by using irregular domains with varying shapes, sizes, and orientations derived from polyhedral structures. This allows for optimization of dimple distribution density, spacing, and arrangement patterns to enhance aerodynamic performance while maintaining manufacturability through adjusted molding parameters.
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
This approach enhances aerodynamic performance by optimizing dimple arrangement, improving lift and drag characteristics while maintaining symmetry, thus enhancing golf ball flight consistency.
Implementation Method 1
Drag is opposite in sense to the direction of flight and orthogonal to lift. The drag force on a ball is attributed to parasitic drag forces, which consist of pressure drag and viscous or skin friction drag.
Implementation Method 2
Skin friction is a viscous effect residing close to the surface of the ball within the boundary layer.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed to a dimple pattern for a golf ball. In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a specific arrangement of first and second domains each consisting of perimeter dimples and interior dimples. The dimples have at least three different dimple diameters, including a minimum dimple diameter, a maximum dimple diameter, and at least one additional dimple diameter. In a specific aspect, the dimples having the maximum dimple diameter are only present in the first domains, the dimples having the minimum dimple diameter are only present in the second domains, and none of the perimeter dimples in the first domain are maximum dimple diameters.