Golf Ball Radar Detectable Mark Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar tracking systems for golf balls face limitations in accurately obtaining launch condition data due to issues with the positioning, alignment, and durability of radar reflective stickers.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring at least one layer with a mark or plurality of marks made from radar detectable materials, such as electrically conductive ink, that are strategically positioned to enhance detection and tracking by radar systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar reflective stickers are placed on the outer surface of the golf ball, then radar tracking systems can obtain launch condition data, but the positioning accuracy and alignment precision deteriorate due to challenges in accurate positioning and alignment of the stickers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radar reflective function with the golf ball itself by integrating radar reflective material into the cover layer during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate stickers and ensures precise positioning and alignment of the radar reflective elements throughout the ball's surface, resolving the contradiction between obtaining accurate launch condition data and achieving precise positioning/alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar reflective material is incorporated into the golf ball cover layer during the manufacturing process before the ball is put into service. This preliminary integration ensures that the radar reflective elements are permanently positioned and aligned with high precision, eliminating the need for subsequent positioning operations and ensuring consistent performance.
2Measurement precision
If radar reflective stickers are placed on the golf ball, then radar tracking is enabled, but the time and effort required to place the stickers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radar reflective function with the golf ball manufacturing process itself. The radar reflective material is integrated into the cover layer during molding, eliminating the need for separate sticker application steps. This merging of functions completely eliminates the time and effort required to place stickers while maintaining high-quality launch condition data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The golf ball is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating the radar reflective material directly into its structure during manufacturing. The ball 'services' its own radar tracking requirement without needing external stickers applied by operators, thereby eliminating the time and effort loss associated with sticker placement.
3Measurement precision
If radar reflective stickers are used on the golf ball, then radar tracking data can be collected, but the durability of the stickers deteriorates leading to decreased data quality and need for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radar reflective function with the golf ball's cover layer structure. The radar reflective material is embedded within the cover layer during manufacturing, creating a permanent integration that eliminates the durability issues associated with surface-applied stickers. This ensures consistent data quality over time without replacement needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction where radar reflective material is integrated within the cover layer composite structure. This composite integration provides enhanced durability and resistance to wear, weathering, and degradation, ensuring the radar tracking capability remains reliable throughout the ball's service life without the need for replacement.
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 design improves the quality of launch condition data collected by radar tracking systems, providing enhanced accuracy and durability compared to traditional radar reflective stickers.
Implementation Method 1
a mark, or a plurality of marks, for improving the detection and tracking thereof by radar tracking systems
Implementation Method 2
the radar detectable material is an electrically conductive ink comprising a base resin and an electrically conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
Various golf ball configurations are disclosed herein that include radar reflective features. The radar reflective features can be formed as inks, resins, electrically conductive metals, polymers, carbons, or other substances that can be deposited or disposed on various portions of a golf ball. The radar reflective features can be formed from a variety of materials, as further disclosed herein. A secondary mark is also provided on the golf ball that is formed from a ferromagnetic or magnetic material.