Multi-Location Golf Ball Printing via UV Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for printing images on golf balls are not cost-effective or efficient for applying images at multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a series of stations for priming, stamping with ultraviolet ink, curing with UV energy, and applying a clear coat to create a finished golf ball with images at multiple locations, utilizing an aerodynamic pattern and multiple stamping and curing steps to achieve efficient and cost-effective image printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple locations are stamped with ultraviolet ink and cured sequentially at different stations, then image printing at multiple locations is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is divided into discrete sequential stations: priming station, first printing station (stamping multiple locations), first curing station, second printing station (stamping poles), second curing station, clear coat station, and oven curing station. Each station performs a specific function, allowing complex multi-location imaging to be achieved through modular, manageable steps rather than a single complex operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The golf ball is primed at the priming station before any imaging operations. This preliminary preparation ensures the surface is properly conditioned for ink adhesion, establishing a foundation that enables precise image printing at multiple locations throughout the subsequent manufacturing steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple stamping and curing steps are performed sequentially, then complete multi-location imaging is achieved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process maintains continuous useful action by immediately transferring the golf ball from one station to the next without idle time. After stamping at the first printing station, the ball is immediately cured at the first curing station, then quickly moved to the second printing station for pole stamping, and immediately cured again. This continuous flow minimizes downtime and keeps the production cycle efficient despite multiple steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The process uses periodic stamping and curing cycles: first a multi-location stamp followed by curing, then a second stamping at the poles followed by another curing. This periodic repetition of stamp-cure pairs allows complete imaging to be achieved through structured, rhythmic operations rather than continuous complex processing.
3Productivity
If ultraviolet ink and UV curing are used, then efficient image setting is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The process replaces traditional mechanical or thermal drying methods with ultraviolet light-based curing. UV ink is stamped and then immediately cured using ultraviolet energy at dedicated curing stations, eliminating the need for prolonged thermal drying or mechanical pressing. This substitution enables rapid image setting and reduces overall energy consumption despite the high intensity of UV lamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultraviolet curing process induces a phase transition in the ink from liquid to solid state through photopolymerization. When UV light strikes the stamped ink, it triggers immediate chemical bonding and hardening, setting the image efficiently in seconds rather than requiring prolonged thermal or mechanical processing, thus improving productivity while controlling energy use.
4Reliability
If clear coat is applied and oven-cured, then product durability is improved, but additional manufacturing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The final golf ball incorporates a composite structure with multiple layers: the base aerodynamic pattern, ultraviolet-cured ink images at multiple locations and poles, and a clear protective coat. This composite construction combines different materials with complementary properties, where the clear coat provides durability and protection while the UV-cured ink layers provide the imaging function, achieving enhanced reliability through material combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The clear coat is applied as a preliminary protective layer before final oven curing. This preliminary coating establishes a protective barrier that shields the underlying UV-cured images and aerodynamic pattern, and the subsequent oven curing permanently sets this protective layer, ensuring long-term product durability through advance preparation and final consolidation.
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 method allows for the cost-effective and efficient printing of images at multiple locations on golf balls, resulting in a high-quality, finished product with a clear coat for durability.
Implementation Method 1
curing the golf ball with the image at a plurality of locations at the curing station using ultraviolet energy to generate a cured golf ball with the image at a plurality of locations
Implementation Method 2
curing the single pole-stamped golf ball at the curing station using ultraviolet energy to generate a cured single pole-stamped golf ball
Implementation Method 3
curing the dual pole stamped golf ball at the curing station using ultraviolet energy to generate a cured dual pole-stamped golf ball
Implementation Method 4
oven-curing the clear coat golf ball at the oven curing station to generate a finished golf ball
Data Source
AI summary
A method for printing an image at multiple positions on a golf ball is disclosed herein. The plurality of locations for the image is preferably ten. The image is preferably a pentagon. The image is alternatively a hexagon or a circle.