Golf Ball Radar Mark Pattern for Accurate Launch Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radar tracking systems for golf balls face challenges in accurately obtaining launch condition data due to issues with radar reflective stickers, including positioning, alignment, durability, and the need for replacement, which affects the quality of collected data.

Innovation Solution

A golf ball with at least one radar detectable mark disposed on its surface, forming a projected pattern that includes wave profiles, such as sine, sawtooth, or triangular waves, to enhance detection and tracking by radar systems.

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 positioning accuracy and alignment precision deteriorate due to challenges in accurate positioning and alignment of the stickers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch condition data accuracyVSAvoidstickers positioning and alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the radar reflective marking function directly into the golf ball cover structure itself, eliminating the need for separate stickers. The cover includes an embedded radar reflective marking that is integrated during the ball manufacturing process, ensuring precise positioning and alignment without the challenges of separately applying stickers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The golf ball cover serves its own radar tracking function through the embedded radar reflective marking. The marking is permanently integrated into the cover structure, allowing the ball to provide its own radar detectability without requiring external accessories or additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidtime to place and replace stickers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The radar reflective marking is pre-integrated into the golf ball cover during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field installation or replacement of stickers, as the marking is already in place and permanently attached to the ball before it reaches the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ball's integrated marking system eliminates the need for user intervention to apply or replace stickers. The radar reflective marking is permanently embedded in the cover structure, providing continuous functionality without requiring user time or effort for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If radar reflective stickers are placed on the golf ball surface, then radar tracking is enabled, but the durability and reliability of the stickers deteriorate leading to decreased data quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestickers durabilityVSAvoidlaunch condition data quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The radar reflective marking is merged with the golf ball cover structure itself, creating a permanent integration that eliminates the durability issues associated with separate stickers. The marking becomes an inherent part of the ball's construction, ensuring consistent performance throughout the ball's service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radar reflective marking is integrated into the cover material structure, creating a composite construction where the marking and cover form a unified, durable component. This integration ensures that the marking maintains its radar reflective properties and positioning accuracy throughout the ball's usage, improving data quality reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 reliability without the drawbacks of traditional stickers.

Implementation Method 1

at least one radar detectable mark such that a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar detectable mark is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

radar detectable mark... for improving the detection and tracking thereof by radar tracking systems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260077240A1Golf ball having at least one radar detectable mark

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

A golf ball is disclosed herein that includes at least one radar detectable mark such that a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar detectable mark is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball. The projected pattern can have a first wave profile mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The projected pattern can comprise at least one first crest and at least one first trough. The projected pattern can have a periodic function selected from: a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a triangle wave, or a square wave.