Multi-Region Golf Ball Dimples for Flight Control and Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls do not effectively optimize aerodynamic performance for improved flight control and distance.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring specific dimple patterns and configurations that provide targeted drag and lift coefficients across various Reynolds numbers and spin ratios, along with integrated drag areas, to enhance aerodynamic characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dimple patterns are used, then manufacturing is simple, but aerodynamic performance is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball surface is divided into multiple zones with different dimple characteristics. The dimple pattern includes first dimples with first characteristics in a first region and second dimples with second characteristics in a second region, allowing different portions of the ball to have optimized aerodynamic properties for different flight conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the golf ball have dimples with locally optimized properties. The first dimples have specific depth, diameter, and distribution characteristics suited for their region, while second dimples have different characteristics optimized for their respective region, creating non-uniform local quality across the surface
2Reliability
If dimple pattern is optimized for specific flight conditions, then aerodynamic performance improves, but adaptability to varying conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-region dimple pattern serves multiple aerodynamic functions simultaneously. Different dimple regions are optimized for different flight phases and spin rates, allowing the golf ball to maintain stable aerodynamic performance across a broader range of flight conditions and spin rates
3Loss of energy
If drag coefficient is reduced, then flight distance increases, but lift coefficient may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drag and lift optimization is segmented across different regions. Some dimple regions are optimized primarily for drag reduction while others are optimized for lift generation, allowing both objectives to be achieved simultaneously through spatial segmentation of functional zones
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions have locally optimized dimple characteristics tailored to their aerodynamic function. Regions experiencing higher pressure gradients have dimples optimized for drag control, while regions benefiting from flow attachment have dimples optimized for lift generation
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 design achieves improved flight control and distance by optimizing aerodynamic performance, with specific dimple patterns enhancing drag and lift coefficients, resulting in a balanced flight profile.
Implementation Method 1
The dimple pattern can have a drag coefficient, C D , that has the following relationship: 0.230 ≤ C D ≤ 0.250 at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070
Implementation Method 2
The dimple pattern can have a lift coefficient, C L , that has the following relationship: C L ≥ 0.115 at a Reynolds number of 240,000 and a spin ratio of 0.060
Implementation Method 3
the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.230 ≤ C D ≤ 0.250 at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A golf ball (10, 20, 30, 40) is disclosed herein that has at least one modified aerodynamic characteristic or performance trait. More specifically, the golf ball disclosed herein can include a dimple pattern having a specific drag coefficient and/or specific integrated drag area.