Golf Ball Sorting for Hidden Radar Mark Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls with radar detectable marks can be indistinguishable from those without, leading to issues in quality control and supply management, as the marks may be hidden beneath other layers and not visually discernible.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball sorting system that includes a detector to identify conductive and magnetic/ferromagnetic marking patterns hidden beneath the surface, using a control unit to sort golf balls into categories based on detection results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radar detectable marks are applied to hidden layers of the golf ball, then the marks remain invisible to observers allowing interchangeability with unmarked balls, but the marks become undetectable through visual inspection causing quality control issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary detection system using sensors (optical, electromagnetic, or other detection devices) that can penetrate or detect through the outer layers of the golf ball to identify the hidden radar detectable marks. This intermediary detection method allows quality control without requiring visual visibility of the marks, resolving the contradiction between mark invisibility and detectability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of radar detectable marks are used on golf balls, then the functionality for different radar systems is improved, but the complexity of sorting and managing different mark types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different radar detectable mark configurations to different local regions or layers of the golf ball structure. By positioning marks at specific locations (e.g., core layer, mantle layer, or cover layer) with specific radar reflective properties, the system achieves compatibility with different radar systems while maintaining a manageable sorting complexity through localized differentiation rather than global variation.
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
Enables reliable identification and separation of golf balls with different radar detectable marks, enhancing quality control and supply management by ensuring accurate sorting based on underlying markings.
Implementation Method 1
a radar detector configured to inspect a golf ball and determine a first detection result based on whether a first marking pattern including an electrically-conductive ink is identified on the inspected golf ball
Implementation Method 2
an inductive sensor configured to inspect a golf ball and determine a second detection result based on whether a second marking pattern including an ink containing a magnetic and/or ferromagnetic material is identified on the inspected golf ball
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball sorting system has a ball feeder configured to transport a plurality of golf balls. At least some of the golf balls have a conductive marking pattern that is not visible to an observer because the marking pattern is covered by at least one other layer of the golf ball. A detection system receives the golf balls, inspects the golf balls, and outputs a detection result. A sorting system receives the detection result and sorts the plurality of golf balls based on the detection result to separate the plurality of golf balls into at least three groups, including a first category of golf balls that do not have the marking pattern, a second category of golf balls that have a first type of the marking pattern, and a third category of golf balls that have a second type of the marking pattern.