Golf Ball Marking Patterns for Radar Tracking and Automated Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls with radar detectable marks can be indistinguishable from unmarked balls, leading to issues in quality control and supply management, as the marks may be hidden beneath other layers or coatings, making visual inspection impossible.
Innovation Solution
Golf balls are designed with a marking pattern comprising a first portion detectable by radar and a second portion detectable by a different detector type, such as optical or x-ray, allowing for automated sorting systems to differentiate between marked and unmarked balls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a radar detectable mark is applied to a layer that is not the outer-most layer of the golf ball, then the mark remains hidden from visual inspection allowing interchangeability with unmarked balls, but the mark becomes indistinguishable from unmarked balls leading to quality control and supply management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The marking pattern is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion containing radar detectable material and a second portion containing visually detectable material. This segmentation allows the mark to serve dual functions - remaining hidden from visual inspection while enabling quality control through alternative detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
A visually detectable portion is introduced as an intermediary element that enables quality control detection. This portion works in conjunction with the hidden radar detectable portion, allowing the mark to remain concealed while providing a detectable signal for quality assurance processes.
2Ease of operation
If a radar detectable mark is applied to a layer that is not the outer-most layer of the golf ball, then the mark is covered by another layer and/or paint allowing golfer to use marked balls interchangeably with unmarked balls, but visual inspection of the mark becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The detection method is replaced from visual inspection to automated detection systems. The second portion of the marking pattern contains material detectable by optical or x-ray detectors, substituting human visual inspection with automated detection technology that can penetrate or detect through the cover layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection parameters are changed from visual spectrum to other electromagnetic spectra (optical or x-ray). By using materials detectable in different electromagnetic ranges, the mark remains invisible to human eyes while becoming detectable through automated detection systems.
3Shape
If a radar detectable mark is applied to a layer that is not the outer-most layer of the golf ball, then the mark is hidden maintaining aesthetic appearance, but automated sorting systems cannot differentiate between marked and unmarked balls
Solution Approach 1:
The marking pattern is segmented into two functional portions: the first portion with radar detectable material maintains aesthetic appearance by being hidden beneath the cover layer, while the second portion with visually detectable material enables automated sorting through optical or x-ray detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking pattern serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides radar detectability for launch monitoring, maintains aesthetic appearance by being hidden, and enables automated sorting through the visually detectable portion. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between appearance and sorting efficiency.
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 sorting of golf balls with and without radar detectable marks, enhancing quality control and ensuring accurate differentiation based on underlying markings.
Implementation Method 1
These radar tracking systems have been improved by including specific radar detectable marks on the golf balls
Implementation Method 2
a second portion including a second material that is detectable by a type of detector other than radar
Implementation Method 3
a second portion including a second material that is detectable by a type of detector other than radar
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball has a golf ball subassembly having one or more subassembly layers, the one or more subassembly layers including at least one marked layer. The golf ball also has a cover layer surrounding the golf ball subassembly. The golf ball further has a marking pattern disposed on the at least one marked layer. The marking pattern has a first portion including a first material configured to be detected by a first detector type and a second portion including a second material configured to be detected by a second detector type.