Golf Ball Radar Detectable Mark Embedded Conductive Material

Solution Overview

Problem

Current radar tracking systems for golf balls face challenges in accurately obtaining launch condition data due to issues with the positioning, alignment, and durability of radar reflective stickers, leading to decreased quality of data and increased maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A golf ball design featuring one or more layers with radar detectable marks made from electrically conductive materials, such as silver, carbon, or graphene, applied using techniques like pad printing, to enhance signal durability and improve data quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radar reflective stickers are placed on the golf ball surface, then radar tracking systems can obtain launch condition data, but the stickers suffer from positioning accuracy issues, alignment problems, and durability concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch condition data qualityVSAvoidsticker durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the radar reflective function with the golf ball manufacturing process itself by incorporating radar detectable material into the ball layers during production. This integration eliminates the need for separate sticker application, ensuring the reflective properties are permanently embedded in the ball structure and cannot detach or misalign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radar detectable material is incorporated into the golf ball layers during the manufacturing process before the ball is completed. This preliminary incorporation ensures proper positioning and alignment are built-in from the start, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing sticker application and associated alignment issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If radar reflective stickers are used on golf balls, then launch condition data can be collected, but time and effort are required to place and maintain the stickers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidsticker placement and maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The radar detectable material is incorporated into the golf ball layers during the manufacturing process before the ball is completed. This preliminary incorporation ensures proper positioning and alignment are built-in from the start, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing sticker application and associated alignment issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The golf ball itself provides the radar reflective function through its embedded material, eliminating the need for external sticker application and maintenance. The ball is self-sufficient for radar tracking purposes, requiring no additional user action for sticker placement or replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If radar reflective stickers are applied to the golf ball, then radar tracking is enabled, but the stickers lack durability and require replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata qualityVSAvoidsticker lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the radar reflective function with the golf ball manufacturing process itself by incorporating radar detectable material into the ball layers during production. This integration eliminates the need for separate sticker application, ensuring the reflective properties are permanently embedded in the ball structure and cannot detach or misalign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radar detectable material is incorporated into the golf ball layers during the manufacturing process before the ball is completed. This preliminary incorporation ensures proper positioning and alignment are built-in from the start, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing sticker application and associated alignment issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 accuracy and durability of radar tracking data, reducing maintenance needs and providing enhanced user experience by ensuring consistent and reliable data collection.

Implementation Method 1

the mark is formed from a radar detectable material... electrically conductive material is optionally selected from the group consisting of silver, electrically conductive carbon, aluminum, graphene, nanotubes, nanometals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240382808A1Golf ball having at least one radar detectable mark

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 ACUSHNET CO

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.