Golf Ball Low Hardness Zone for Driver Spin Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls with outer-hard and inner-soft hardness distributions effectively lower spin rates on driver shots but also reduce spin rates on approach shots, compromising controllability.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design with a low hardness region between 36.0% to 65.0% of the radius from the center, allowing for selective reduction of spin rate on driver shots while maintaining spin rate on approach shots by incorporating a low hardness part with a Shore D hardness of 5 to 40 and a high hardness part with a Shore D hardness of 30 to 90.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an outer-hard and inner-soft hardness distribution is adopted in the golf ball, then the spin rate on driver shots is lowered and flight distance is increased, but the spin rate on approach shots is also lowered, reducing controllability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct hardness zones at specific radial positions within the golf ball. A first hardness zone is positioned at 0-40% of the radius from the center, and a second hardness zone is positioned at 60-100% of the radius, with each zone having different hardness characteristics. This localized hardness differentiation allows the ball to exhibit different deformation behaviors in different regions during impact, enabling low spin on driver shots while maintaining high spin on approach shots through selective engagement of different hardness zones.
2Speed
If the hardness is reduced in the region located at 36.0% to 65.0% of the radius from the center point, then the spin rate on driver shots is selectively lowered, but the overall ball hardness and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by positioning the softer first hardness zone (0-40% radius) and harder second hardness zone (60-100% radius) at specific radial locations. The softer inner zone reduces spin on driver shots by allowing controlled deformation, while the harder outer zone maintains ball durability and structural integrity. This spatial separation of hardness properties resolves the contradiction between reducing spin and maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining materials with different hardness characteristics in specific radial zones. The first hardness zone uses a softer material composition to reduce spin on driver shots, while the second hardness zone uses a harder material composition to maintain ball durability. This composite structure allows the ball to simultaneously achieve low spin performance and high durability.
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball showing a low spin rate on driver shots and a high spin rate on approach shots. The present invention provides a golf ball having a low hardness part having a hardness in a range from 5 to 40 in Shore D hardness or a lowest hardness point in a core hardness distribution in a region located at a distance from 36.0% to 65.0% of a radius of the golf ball from a center point of the golf ball.