Golf Ball Modified Dimples Axial Symmetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls often exhibit asymmetrical flight performance due to asymmetries in dimple patterns, particularly caused by the straight dimple-free path around the equator, which can result in inconsistent flight distances and times when oriented differently, violating the Symmetry Rule set by governing bodies like the USGA and R&A.
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 on non-polar axes, 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 for manufacturing, then the molding process is simplified, but the flight symmetry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only specific dimples located at predetermined positions (typically near the equatorial region) while leaving other dimples unchanged. These modified dimples have different geometric properties (depth, diameter, or shape) to compensate for the asymmetry introduced by the straight parting line, thereby maintaining flight symmetry without changing the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent intentionally introduces asymmetry through modified dimples to counterbalance the asymmetry created by the straight parting line. By strategically placing dimples with varying characteristics on specific sides of the ball, the design creates a controlled asymmetry that compensates for the manufacturing-induced asymmetry, achieving overall flight symmetry
2Reliability
If dimple patterns are modified to improve flight symmetry, then aerodynamic performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by modifying only a small subset of dimples (typically 2-12 out of hundreds) at specific predetermined positions rather than redesigning the entire dimple pattern. This selective modification approach achieves the desired flight symmetry improvement while minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity and maintaining overall pattern simplicity
3Manufacturing precision
If all dimples are made identical, then manufacturing precision is easier to maintain, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by maintaining identical characteristics for the majority of dimples while introducing specific variations in predetermined positions. This approach preserves manufacturing precision for the bulk of dimples (ease of production) while achieving improved aerodynamic performance through localized modifications that address specific flight symmetry issues
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, thereby enhancing commercial viability and player consistency.
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
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.
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.
Implementation Method 5
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.
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.