Golf Ball Dimples with Logo Depressions for Aerodynamic Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional golf ball dimple patterns have limited aerodynamic optimization, and non-traditional designs that deviate from spherical symmetry often fail to achieve commercial success due to issues with air flow and distance performance.

Innovation Solution

The golf ball features a combination of traditional dimples and logo depressions or symbols machined into the surface, using a direct cavity machining process to optimize aerodynamics, with the logo depressions covering a significant portion of the surface area and varying in size and shape to enhance flight performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-traditional dimple patterns are used to optimize aerodynamics, then flight performance may improve, but commercial success is reduced due to regulatory compliance issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidregulatory compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating logo depressions with specific geometric characteristics (depth, width, shape) that differ from traditional dimples, while maintaining overall spherical symmetry. The logo depressions are strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide aerodynamic benefits without violating USGA/R&A regulations regarding spherical symmetry and minimum diameter requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetry through non-circular logo depression shapes (such as rectangular, triangular, or brand-specific geometries) inset into the golf ball surface. These asymmetric features create varied air flow patterns while the overall ball maintains spherical symmetry, balancing aerodynamic optimization with regulatory compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If logo depressions are added to the surface, then aerodynamic performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the logo formation process with the dimple molding process by integrating logo depressions directly into the mold cavity. This allows both the aerodynamic dimples and the branded logo features to be created in a single molding operation, avoiding separate manufacturing steps and reducing overall process complexity despite the added geometric features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If logo depressions cover significant surface area, then aerodynamic optimization improves, but the ball may deviate from spherical symmetry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic optimizationVSAvoidspherical symmetry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than having the logo protrude from the surface (which would more clearly violate spherical symmetry), the patent inverts the approach by recessing the logo into the surface as logo depressions. This inversion allows the logo features to be integrated into the aerodynamic surface pattern while maintaining the external spherical shape required by regulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The solution significantly improves aerodynamic performance by creating a unique surface pattern that enhances air flow characteristics, potentially increasing the distance and accuracy of golf ball flight while maintaining compliance with USGA and R&A regulations.

Implementation Method 1

a direct cavity machining process to optimize aerodynamics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMachining:

Implementation Method 2

The aerodynamic pattern comprises a plurality of dimples and at least one logo depression... significantly improves aerodynamic performance by creating a unique surface pattern that enhances air flow characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentUS7625303B2Dimples composed of letters or symbols inset into cover

Publication Date: 2009.12.01 CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY

AI summary

The present invention relates to dimples and dimple patterns for golf balls (20), preferably dimple patterns composed of letters, symbols, logos and combinations thereof, inset into the cover of the golf ball (20). The golf ball (20) has dimples (40) and logo depressions (50) in a cover of the golf ball (20). The logo depressions (50) are preferably letters, symbols, logos and combinations thereof, inset into the cover of the golf ball (20).