Golf Ball Modified Dimple Patterns for Flight Symmetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls with asymmetrical dimple patterns often exhibit inconsistent flight performance due to the presence of a straight dimple-free path around the equator, which violates the Symmetry Rule, affecting their inclusion in official golf ball lists and consistency in use.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball features a combination of unmodified and modified dimples with specific geometric arrangements, including catenary cross-sectional shapes and varying edge angles, arranged in axially symmetric patterns about different geometric centers to enhance symmetry and aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight dimple-free path around the equator is used in dimple pattern design, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but flight symmetry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately introducing modified dimples with different geometric properties (depth, diameter, or shape) at specific locations to counterbalance the asymmetry caused by the straight parting line. This creates a compensated asymmetric pattern that restores flight symmetry while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity of the straight parting line approach.
2Reliability
If modified dimples are added to correct symmetry issues, then flight symmetry is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only specific dimples at particular locations (e.g., near the parting line or at symmetric positions) rather than changing the entire dimple pattern. This localized modification approach corrects symmetry issues while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity, as most dimples remain unchanged.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional symmetrical dimple patterns are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying dimple parameters (depth, diameter, shape factor) at specific locations to compensate for the aerodynamic asymmetry introduced by the straight parting line. This allows the pattern to maintain manufacturing precision while achieving improved aerodynamic performance consistency through controlled parameter variations.
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 modified dimple patterns improve flight symmetry and aerodynamics, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the ball's orientation and meeting the Symmetry Rule requirements, thus enhancing commercial viability and player trust.
Implementation Method 1
The dimples on a golf ball cause the thin boundary layer to flow in a turbulent manner. Rather than flowing in smooth, continuous layers (i.e., a laminar boundary layer), this turbulent boundary layer has a microscopic pattern of fluctuations and randomized flow.
Implementation Method 2
The air develops a thin boundary layer adjacent to the ball's outer surface. The dimples on a golf ball cause the thin boundary layer to flow in a turbulent manner.
Implementation Method 3
The difference in the high pressure in front of the ball and the low pressure behind the ball slows the ball down. This is the primary source of drag, which is the air resistance that acts on the golf ball in the direction opposite the ball's flight direction. As a result, there is a reduction in the area of the wake, increasing the average pressure behind the ball, and a substantial reduction in drag.
Implementation Method 4
The shape of each dimple is also important in optimizing lift, which is an upward force on the ball that is created by a difference in pressure between the top of the ball and the bottom of the ball. This difference in pressure is created by a warp in the air flow that results from the ball's backspin.
Implementation Method 5
This difference in pressure is created by a warp in the air flow that results from the ball's backspin. Due to the backspin, the top of the ball moves in the direction of the airflow, which shifts the top separation point to a location further backward.
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls including at least one modified dimple group are disclosed. The modified dimple group comprises one or more modified dimples forming an axially symmetric pattern about a Correction Area Centroid located on an axis of symmetry at a latitude greater than 0°, where 0° represents the hemispherical pole and 90° represents the equator. The modified dimples can be altered, for example, by changing dimple coverage, dimple diameter, dimple depth, dimple edge angle, dimple volume, dimple cross-sectional shape, and/or dimple plan shape. Optionally, the dimples have a catenary cross-sectional shape and the modified dimples are altered by changing the shape factor and/or chord depth. Such modifications preferably produce a golf ball that flies more consistently regardless of orientation when struck than a corresponding golf ball without such modifications.