Golf Ball Marking Pattern for Radar and X-Ray 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 and not visually discernible.

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 a conductive material for radar and a material like iodine or barium sulfate for x-ray, allowing for automated sorting based on detection results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If radar detectable marks are applied to inner layers of the golf ball, then the marks remain hidden from visual inspection (maintaining interchangeability with unmarked balls), but quality control and supply management become difficult due to inability to visually verify mark presence

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInterchangeability of marked and unmarked golf ballsVSAvoidVisual information about mark presence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The marking pattern is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion with radar detectable material and a second portion with visually detectable material. This segmentation allows the mark to serve dual functions - remaining hidden from visual inspection while enabling quality control verification through alternative means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A visually detectable second portion is introduced as an intermediary element that provides visual confirmation of mark presence without interfering with the radar detectable function. This intermediary allows quality control personnel to verify mark application without making the marks visible to golfers during play.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If radar detectable marks are applied to the outer-most layer, then visual inspection for quality control becomes possible, but the marks become distinguishable from unmarked balls (reducing interchangeability)

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVisual information about mark presenceVSAvoidInterchangeability of marked and unmarked golf balls

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the marking pattern have different properties: the first portion contains radar detectable material for functional detection, while the second portion contains visually detectable material for quality control. This local differentiation allows each portion to serve its specific purpose without compromising the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a single-dimensional approach (either visible or hidden marks) to a multi-dimensional approach by adding a second detectable portion that operates in a different detection dimension (visual vs. radar), thereby resolving the contradiction between visibility and interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If only radar detectable material is used for marking, then the marks function for radar tracking, but automated sorting and quality control become difficult without visual verification

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRadar detection accuracyVSAvoidQuality control and sorting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The marking pattern is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the first portion enables radar detection for tracking accuracy, while the second portion enables visual verification for quality control and automated sorting. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between radar reliability and manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The marking pattern uses composite material composition with two distinct materials: radar detectable material in the first portion and visually detectable material in the second portion. This composite approach allows the single marking structure to provide both radar tracking functionality and visual quality control capability.

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

Enables reliable identification and sorting of golf balls with and without radar detectable marks, enhancing quality control and ensuring accurate delivery of marked balls for launch monitoring systems.

Implementation Method 1

radar tracking systems to identify the position and velocity of the golf ball

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

a second portion including a second material that is detectable by a type of detector other than radar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS20260021351A1Golf ball having a radar detectable mark

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 ACUSHNET CO

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.