Golf Ball Marking Layout for Off-Center Linear Appearance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for printing markings on golf balls fail to maintain linear appearance due to the curvature of the sphere, causing distortions when viewed from a standard golfing position, especially for markings off-center from the centerline plane.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an etching pattern on a printing plate adjusted to compensate for the curvature of the golf ball, using measured variables to create an adjusted design that ensures the marking's centerline lies within a marking plane distinct from the centerline plane, with edges parallel to this plane, thereby maintaining a linear appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a planar line is wrapped around the golf ball surface parallel to the centerline, then the marking can be printed off-center on the ball, but the marking appears curved inward towards the centerline due to spherical curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spherical geometry principles to calculate and create a curved etching pattern on the printing plate that compensates for the ball's curvature. By designing the etching pattern with specific curvature characteristics, the transferred marking appears straight when viewed from above, resolving the contradiction between off-center positioning and linearity maintenance.
2Shape
If a planar curve is used to counteract spherical curvature, then the marking can appear linear, but the etching pattern becomes more complex and difficult to generate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations and design of the curved etching pattern before the actual printing process. By pre-computing the exact curvature needed based on the desired marking position and the ball's geometry, the complex pattern is established in advance, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing real-time complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the etching pattern's geometric parameters (curvature radius, arc length, position) based on mathematical relationships with the ball's radius and the desired marking location. By systematically adjusting these parameters, the complex pattern is generated through controlled variation rather than arbitrary design, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for printing a marking on a golf ball includes arranging ink in an etching pattern on a printing plate, matching a reference position on the plate to a reference position on the golf ball, transferring the ink from the printing plate to a pad, and transferring the ink from the pad to the golf ball such that the golf ball includes the marking. The pattern includes an etch corresponding to the marking, wherein the etch differs from the marking in a manner dependent on the position of the marking on the golf ball. The marking that results on the golf ball is a linear marking, and a centerline of the linear marking lies entirely within a marking plane that is not a centerline plane of the golf ball, and wherein the edges of the marking are parallel with the marking plane.