Golf Ball Radar Mark Layout for Accurate Launch Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar tracking systems struggle to accurately obtain golf ball launch condition data due to challenges with the positioning, alignment, and durability of radar reflective stickers, leading to a decrease in data quality and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball with integrated radar detectable marks formed from electrically conductive ink, applied to various layers and surfaces, providing improved data collection and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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, alignment precision, and durability of the stickers become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radar reflective function with the golf ball manufacturing process by integrating radar detectable material directly into the ball layers during manufacturing, rather than applying separate stickers. This merging eliminates positioning and alignment issues while ensuring consistent radar detectability throughout the ball's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar detectable material is incorporated into the golf ball layers during the manufacturing process before the ball is used. This preliminary integration ensures that the radar reflective properties are permanently embedded in the ball structure, eliminating the need for separate sticker application and ensuring consistent performance from the first use.
2Measurement precision
If radar reflective stickers are used on the golf ball, then launch condition data can be collected, but time and effort are required to place and align the stickers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radar detection functionality into the golf ball manufacturing process itself, eliminating the separate step of applying stickers. The radar detectable material is integrated into the ball layers during production, so no additional time is required at the course for positioning or aligning detection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The golf ball becomes self-sufficient for radar detection by having the detectable material built into its structure during manufacturing. The ball automatically provides the necessary radar reflective properties without requiring external attachment of stickers or additional setup procedures.
3Measurement precision
If radar reflective stickers are applied to the golf ball surface, then radar tracking is enabled, but the stickers lack durability and require replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radar reflective function with the structural layers of the golf ball by incorporating radar detectable material directly into the manufacturing process. This integration ensures that the detection capability becomes an inherent part of the ball's structure, lasting for the entire service life of the ball without degradation or replacement needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and location of the radar detectable material from a separate surface attachment (sticker) to an integrated component within the ball layers. This parameter change from external to internal placement fundamentally improves durability and eliminates the lifespan limitation of surface stickers.
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
Enhances the quality of launch condition data collection and user experience by ensuring accurate and reliable data acquisition without the need for stickers.
Implementation Method 1
the mark has a continuous shape and is formed from a radar detectable material
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
Golf balls including a plurality of radar detectable marks disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof are provided. When all of the radar detectable marks present on any layer of the ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, the resulting overall pattern of projected radar detectable marks includes a series of three or marks located on a 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the ball.