Golf Ball Interlayer Adhesion via Silane Promoter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Golf balls face issues with inadequate adhesive strength between differing layers, leading to delamination and reduced durability, which current adhesion promoting methods like surface pretreatments and tie layers cannot effectively address without time constraints and additional processing steps.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a silane-containing adhesion promoter throughout one or both layers of the golf ball, eliminating the need for surface pretreatment and tie layers, thereby enhancing interlayer adhesion without timing limitations or additional processing steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If surface pretreatment or tie layers are used to improve interlayer adhesion, then adhesive strength between layers is improved, but manufacturing complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive strength between layersVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adhesion promoter functionality directly into the layer material itself, merging the adhesion function with the structural layer. This eliminates the need for separate surface pretreatment steps or additional tie layers, thereby improving adhesive strength while reducing manufacturing process complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The silane-containing adhesion promoter acts as a chemical intermediary within the layer composition that facilitates bonding between adjacent layers. By incorporating the promoter within the layer material rather than applying it as a separate surface treatment, the patent achieves effective adhesion while simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If surface pretreatment with silane adhesion promoter is applied, then interlayer adhesion is improved, but manufacturing time is increased due to drying and post cure steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterlayer adhesionVSAvoidmanufacturing cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesion promoter is pre-incorporated into the layer material during compounding, before the molding process. This preliminary incorporation eliminates the need for subsequent surface application, drying, and post-curing steps, thereby achieving strong interlayer adhesion while significantly reducing manufacturing cycle time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous adhesion bonding by incorporating the silane promoter within the layer material itself, allowing adhesion to occur continuously during the molding process without interruption for drying or post-curing steps. This continuous action maintains production efficiency while achieving excellent interlayer adhesion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Strength

If adhesion promoters are applied via spray or dip, then adhesive strength is improved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the adhesion promoter functionality directly into the layer material composition, eliminating the need for separate spray or dip application equipment and processes. This integration simplifies manufacturing while maintaining improved adhesive strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The layer material itself provides the adhesion promoter functionality through its inherent composition, eliminating the need for external application processes. The material serves its own adhesion needs through the incorporated silane-containing adhesion promoter, thereby simplifying manufacturing operations and reducing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach ensures excellent adhesion between layers, improving golf ball durability and manufacturing efficiency by eliminating the need for surface treatments and tie layers, while allowing for flexible and cost-effective production.

Implementation Method 1

The silane adhesion promoter provides a reactive surface for creating strong bonds between the treated layer and an adjacent different layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSilane adhesion promoter bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS9713748B2Golf ball with excellent interlayer adhesion between adjacent differing layers

Publication Date: 2017.07.25 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

Golf ball and method for making it, comprising a first layer that comprises a first polymeric composition and is surrounded by and adjacent to a second layer comprising a second polymeric composition different than the first polymeric composition; with one of these layers further comprising at least one silane-containing adhesion promoter such as organosilanes and/or organosiloxanes throughout in an amount of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5.0 wt. % of the entire layer. Neither layer is surface treated with at least one silane-containing adhesion promoter. The second layer may be the layer comprising the silane-containing adhesion promoter throughout, surrounded by a third layer that comprises a third polymeric composition that differs from the second polymeric composition and does not incorporate any silane-containing adhesion promoter. Strong interlayer bonding is therefore created both between the second layer and the first layer and between the second layer and the third layer.