Golf Ball Radar Mark Pattern 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 the quality of launch condition 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
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 these stickers create challenges that decrease data quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radar reflective function from removable stickers and integrates it directly into the golf ball structure through molded-in reflective elements or radially projecting features. This eliminates the reliability issues of sticker placement and durability while maintaining the measurement precision needed for radar tracking systems to obtain accurate launch condition data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the radar reflective functionality with the golf ball's structural components by incorporating reflective materials during the molding process or by integrating radially projecting features that are part of the ball's construction. This combination ensures consistent positioning and alignment while improving durability, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If radar reflective stickers are used to enable radar detection, then launch condition data can be collected, but the time and effort required to place and align stickers reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies radar reflective elements during the golf ball manufacturing process itself, performing the radar detection preparation action in advance during production. This eliminates the need for separate sticker application steps, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving productivity by reducing preparation time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the radar reflective functionality with the golf ball manufacturing process, integrating reflective materials or radially projecting features into the ball structure during production. This merger eliminates the separate sticker application step, maintaining data quality while improving productivity through streamlined preparation.
3Measurement precision
If traditional radar reflective stickers are placed on the golf ball, then radar tracking is enabled, but the need for frequent replacement and realignment increases device complexity and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radar reflective function from external stickers and embeds it within the golf ball structure through molded-in elements or radially projecting features. This eliminates the need for separate placement and maintenance systems, reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision for accurate radar tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the golf ball with self-contained radar reflective elements that are integral to the ball structure. These elements automatically maintain proper positioning and alignment without requiring external placement or adjustment systems, thereby reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements while ensuring consistent data quality.
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 durability without the need for stickers.
Implementation Method 1
a golf ball having 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
Data Source
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.