Radio-Opaque Golf Ball Layer Doping for X-Ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for X-ray scanning of golf balls are limited in their ability to image multiple layers on a ball, as they typically involve doping only a single layer with radio-opaque fillers and are specific to certain materials and processes.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves doping multiple layers of a golf ball with different concentrations or types of radio-opaque fillers, allowing for differential contrast in an X-ray process and enabling the measurement of layer thickness and concentricity/eccentricity in a single pass through an X-ray machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only a single layer is doped with radio-opaque filler, then the X-ray imaging process is simpler, but the ability to image and differentiate multiple layers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by doping different layers with different concentrations of radio-opaque fillers. Each layer has a specific filler concentration (e.g., core: 0.1-10%, mantle: 0.5-15%, cover: 1-20%) that creates distinct X-ray absorption characteristics, enabling differentiation of multiple layers while maintaining a relatively simple imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of radio-opaque filler concentration across different layers to achieve differential X-ray contrast. By varying the concentration parameter from layer to layer, the system enables multi-layer imaging capability without requiring fundamentally different imaging techniques.
2Measurement precision
If different concentrations of radio-opaque fillers are used in multiple layers, then the ability to image and measure multiple layers is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the doping process by layer, with each layer receiving a specific radio-opaque filler concentration during its respective manufacturing step. This segmentation allows for precise control of filler distribution in each layer while maintaining standard manufacturing procedures for multi-layer golf balls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in radio-opaque filler concentration as a design variable during manufacturing. By specifying target concentration ranges for each layer type, the manufacturing process can achieve the desired X-ray contrast differentiation through conventional mixing and molding techniques.
3Reliability
If specific loadings and materials are used as in prior art, then the X-ray contrast is sufficient for single layer measurement, but the process becomes limiting and non-versatile for multiple layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal X-ray imaging approach that works across multiple layer configurations by using a graded concentration strategy. The same basic principle of radio-opaque filler doping applies to any number of layers, making the method versatile for different golf ball constructions (2-layer, 3-layer, 4-layer, etc.) while maintaining reliable X-ray contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in filler concentration as a scalable solution that adapts to different layer configurations. Whether imaging 2 layers or 5 layers, the system adjusts the concentration parameter across layers to maintain sufficient contrast differentiation, providing a versatile methodology applicable to various golf ball designs.
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 allows for the effective imaging and measurement of multiple layers of a golf ball during X-ray scanning, providing accurate data on layer thickness and concentricity without the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
doping multiple layers of a golf ball with different concentrations or types of radio-opaque fillers, allowing for differential contrast in an X-ray process
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball comprising layers that have from 0.05% to 70% by weight of a radio-opaque filler, and wherein the concentration of the radio-opaque filler is measurably different in each layer is disclosed herein. The radio-opaque filler is preferably a compound based on barium, bismuth, tungsten, iodine, or reduced iron.