Golf Ball Non-Circular Dimples Aerodynamic Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf balls with circular dimples face limitations in achieving high dimple surface coverage and aerodynamic performance, leading to suboptimal air resistance and distance traveled due to acutely or obtusely angled corners and frictional resistance.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball features a surface with non-circular dimples having curved inside corners and contour lines between neighboring dimples arranged substantially parallel, increasing dimple coverage to at least 75% and reducing frictional resistance by smoothing corner angles, with a cumulative dimple volume of 500 to 750 mm^3 and a radius of curvature between 0.1 to 3.0 mm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If circular dimples are arranged to high density with minimal land width, then dimple surface coverage increases, but triangular or quadrangular lands of given size form creating frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from circular dimples to non-circular dimples with curved inside corners. This asymmetric shape modification eliminates the formation of triangular or quadrangular lands between dimples, thereby reducing frictional resistance while maintaining high dimple surface coverage on the golf ball surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature by designing dimples with curved inside corners instead of sharp angles. This curvature continues the smooth contour of the dimple edges, preventing the formation of flat-angled lands that create frictional resistance, while allowing dense packing of dimples on the spherical surface.
2Quantity of substance
If non-circular dimples with polygonal shapes are used to increase dimple coverage, then surface coverage increases, but acutely or obtusely angled corners increase frictional resistance with air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by replacing the sharp acutely or obtusely angled corners of polygonal dimples with curved inside corners. This curvature modification maintains the non-circular shape for high coverage while eliminating angle-based frictional resistance, allowing the dimples to closely pack on the spherical surface without creating harmful flat-angled land features.
3Stability of the object's composition
If dimples are arranged uniformly on spherical surface, then uniformity of arrangement is improved, but dimple density must be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using non-circular dimple shapes that can be arranged in asymmetric patterns on the spherical surface. This allows for more flexible and dense arrangements compared to uniform circular dimples, achieving both high dimple density and visual uniformity across the golf ball surface.
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
This design enhances aerodynamic performance, allowing the golf ball to travel a longer distance with improved air resistance-lowering effects and maintaining moldability and practicality.
Implementation Method 1
air resistance during flight be reduced by dimples arranged on the surface of the ball
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a golf ball with a ball surface having a plurality of non-circular dimples thereon, wherein mutually neighboring dimples have contour lines therebetween which are arranged so as to be substantially parallel and are separated by an interval of 0.05 to 1.0 mm, land areas defined by the substantially parallel contour lines have an outer surface which forms the outermost peripheral face of the ball, and the non-circular dimples have a non-circular shape with inside angles that are curved. This arrangement endows the ball with a distinctive, aesthetically pleasing appearance on account of the dimple pattern composed largely of non-circular dimples. Moreover, even though numerous non-circular dimples are arranged on the surface of the ball, the high surface coverage and air resistance-lowering effect enable the distance traveled by the ball to be increased.