Golf Ball Polyrotaxane Composite Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls with soft cores provide good shot feeling but poor durability, while hard cores offer durability at the expense of shot feeling, and existing technologies fail to balance both effectively.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball comprising a crosslinked rubber component and a polyrotaxane component, where the polyrotaxane has cyclodextrin with a linear molecule piercing through its cyclic structure and modified hydroxyl groups with a caprolactone chain, enhancing durability without compromising shot feeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a soft core is used in the golf ball, then the shot feeling is improved, but the durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite rubber composition containing polybutadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and butyl rubber in specific proportions (60-80 parts polybutadiene, 10-30 parts styrene-butadiene, 5-20 parts butyl rubber). This multi-material composite approach combines the elasticity of polybutadiene for shot feeling with the durability contributions from styrene-butadiene and butyl rubbers, resolving the contradiction between softness and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight distribution by controlling the average molecular weight between 100,000-500,000 and the molecular weight ratio (Mw/Mn) between 2.0-5.0. This parameter optimization allows the rubber composition to achieve both the softness needed for good shot feeling and the structural integrity required for durability, transforming the material properties to satisfy both requirements simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a hard core is used in the golf ball, then the durability is improved, but the shot feeling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite rubber system where polybutadiene rubber provides the base elasticity for shot feeling, while styrene-butadiene rubber and butyl rubber contribute durability enhancement. The specific composition ratios ensure that the material remains sufficiently soft for good shot feeling while incorporating enough durable components to resist wear and damage during play.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the molecular weight parameters (average molecular weight: 100,000-500,000; molecular weight ratio Mw/Mn: 2.0-5.0) to achieve an optimal balance. These parameter adjustments allow the material to maintain the softness required for good shot feeling while developing sufficient structural strength and durability through optimized molecular architecture.
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 golf ball achieves improved durability without sacrificing shot feeling, as the polyrotaxane component provides viscoelastic properties that maintain tension dispersion and enhance the golf ball's resilience and spin performance.
Implementation Method 1
the polyrotaxane component provides viscoelastic properties that maintain tension dispersion and enhance the golf ball's resilience and spin performance
Implementation Method 2
a golf ball comprising a crosslinked rubber component and a polyrotaxane component
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in durability. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a constituent member containing a crosslinked rubber component and a polyrotaxane component, wherein the polyrotaxane has a cyclodextrin, a linear molecule piercing through the cyclic structure of the cyclodextrin, and blocking groups located at both terminals of the linear molecule to prevent disassociation of the cyclodextrin, and at least a part of hydroxyl groups of the cyclodextrin is modified with a caprolactone chain via —O—C3H6—O— group.