Golf Ball Parting Line Configuration for Dimple Pattern Regularity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf balls exhibit a noticeable break in the dimple pattern due to the parting line, affecting the regularity and consistency of the dimple pattern, which impacts the ball's flight performance.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a parting line configuration with a repeating pattern of curved and straight segments that intersects the geometric equator, allowing the dimples to be placed closer together without disrupting the dimple pattern, using a mold with alternating curved and straight segment forming surfaces to produce the desired parting line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional parting line is used to join two hemispherical mold halves, then the golf ball can be manufactured, but the dimple pattern exhibits a noticeable break at the parting line location
Solution Approach 1:
The parting line is configured with curved segments that follow the spherical geometry of the golf ball, allowing the mold halves to join while maintaining the continuous curvature of the dimple pattern. The curved parting line segments blend seamlessly with the spherical surface, preventing visual disruption of the dimple arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The parting line is positioned to intersect the geometric equator of the golf ball, utilizing the equatorial dimension as a reference. This strategic positioning allows the parting line to pass through regions where dimple intersections are minimal or can be corrected, reducing the visual impact on the dimple pattern in the third dimension.
2Ease of manufacture
If dimples are separated to accommodate the parting line, then the parting line can be formed, but the dimple pattern regularity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The parting line configuration applies different geometric characteristics at different locations: curved segments in regions where dimple pattern continuity is critical, and straight segments where minimal disruption occurs. This localized approach maintains high dimple pattern regularity while still accommodating the parting line formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The parting line geometry is optimized by adjusting parameters such as the amplitude and wavelength of the sinusoidal pattern, ensuring that the line intersects dimples in a controlled manner. This parameter optimization allows the parting line to be formed without excessive dimple separation, preserving pattern uniformity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the parting line does not intersect equatorial dimples, then the equatorial region maintains pattern integrity, but the parting line cannot be properly formed
Solution Approach 1:
The mold design incorporates preliminary positioning features that ensure the parting line is correctly aligned with the equatorial region before closing. This preliminary action allows the parting line to intersect equatorial dimples in a controlled manner, maintaining pattern integrity while enabling proper parting line formation.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball comprises two generally hemispherical portions joined together at a parting line and comprising dimples on respective outer surfaces thereof. The parting line comprises a repeating pattern of curved segments alternating with straight segments. The parting line crosses a geometric equator of the golf ball, and wherein the parting line intersects at least one dimple bordering the equator. A mold for producing a golf ball is also described.