Golf Ball Core and Dimple Pattern for Reduced Flight Distance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Golf ball manufacturers face a challenge in reducing the flight distance of high-performance golf balls while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and appearance, as current advancements exceed the maximum distance allowed by the USGA.
Innovation Solution
The golf balls feature a core layer with a rubber formulation of polybutadiene and butyl rubber, combined with a dimple pattern arranged in tetrahedral, dipyramid, octahedral, or icosahedral configurations, achieving a surface coverage of less than 65% and specific dimple diameters and edge angles to limit aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-performance dimple patterns with increased surface coverage are used, then aerodynamic efficiency and distance are improved, but the golf ball exceeds the maximum distance allowed by the USGA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the dimple pattern surface coverage from high-performance designs (exceeding USGA limits) to reduced coverage patterns (60-70%) that comply with distance restrictions. This involves adjusting dimple size, shape, depth, and distribution parameters to achieve the desired flight characteristics within regulatory constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating non-uniform dimple patterns where different regions of the ball surface have varying dimple characteristics. This includes using different dimple sizes, shapes, and densities in different zones to optimize aerodynamic performance while maintaining compliance with distance limits.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If inefficient dimple patterns with low surface coverage are used, then flight distance is reduced, but aerodynamic efficiency and performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes dimple parameters including size (0.040-0.200 inches), depth (0.002-0.010 inches), and edge angles (45-90 degrees) to achieve the counterintuitive result of reduced flight distance while maintaining high aerodynamic efficiency. This involves precise control of multiple dimensional parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material principles by combining different dimple shapes (spherical, conical, cylindrical, inverted spherical) and patterns in a single golf ball design, creating a heterogeneous surface structure that achieves superior aerodynamic performance compared to uniform patterns.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the golf ball is designed to adhere to shorter USGA maximum distance, then compliance is achieved, but aerodynamic consistency and high-performance trajectory may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the golf ball surface into multiple dimple zones with different characteristics, allowing each region to contribute differently to overall aerodynamic performance. This segmentation enables fine-tuned control of flight characteristics while maintaining consistency and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic aerodynamic principles by designing dimple patterns that adapt to different flight conditions and velocities. The varied dimple configurations create dynamic flow separation patterns that maintain stable trajectories across different swing speeds and environmental conditions.
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 solution results in reduced flight distance while maintaining aerodynamic consistency and a high-performance trajectory, adhering to USGA standards.
Implementation Method 1
Lift is defined as the aerodynamic force component acting perpendicular to the flight path. It results from a difference in pressure that is created by a distortion in the air flow that results from the back spin of the ball.
Implementation Method 2
Drag is defined as the aerodynamic force component acting parallel to the ball flight direction. As the ball travels through the air, the air surrounding the ball has different velocities and, thus, different pressures.
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls having core formulations including polybutadiene, butyl rubber, or a blend thereof, and low surface coverage dimple patterns are disclosed. The combination of low surface coverage with particular rubber formulations helps to reduce the flight of the ball while also providing improved aerodynamic consistency and maintaining the appearance of a high-performance trajectory.