Golf Ball Coating Removal via Solvent and Ultrasonic Cavitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cosmetic blemishes on golf balls often result in the golf balls being relegated to range ball status, as existing methods fail to remove paint, indicia, and clear coatings without damaging the aerodynamic patterns, leading to significant waste in premium golf ball manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving soaking golf balls in a solvent followed by ultrasonic treatment and rinsing with an air knife to remove coating layers and indicia without damaging the aerodynamic properties, allowing for refinishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional scraping methods are used to remove coating layers and indicia, then cosmetic blemishes can be removed, but the aerodynamic pattern is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scraping system with a chemical system. A solvent mixture (containing substances like xylene, toluene, or other organic solvents) is applied to the golf ball surface, which chemically dissolves and removes the coating layers and indicia without requiring mechanical contact. This chemical substitution eliminates the mechanical damage to the aerodynamic pattern while achieving complete removal of cosmetic blemishes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solvent mixture as an intermediary substance between the removal target (coating/indicia) and the golf ball surface. The solvent acts as a mediating agent that selectively dissolves the coating materials and indicia while leaving the underlying aerodynamic pattern intact. The solvent transfers the removal action without direct mechanical contact between the removal tool and the ball surface.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional removal methods are used, then coating layers can be removed, but the golf ball must be scrapped or relegated to range ball status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery of golf balls that would otherwise be discarded. By using a chemical solvent process that removes only the coating layers and indicia without damaging the underlying ball structure or aerodynamic pattern, the method allows these cosmetically blemished balls to be refurbished and reused as premium golf balls, thereby recovering valuable product that would otherwise be lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The substitution of mechanical scraping with chemical solvent treatment enables complete removal of coatings and indicia without the physical damage that would necessitate scrapping. The chemical process is selective and controlled, allowing removal of unwanted materials while preserving the integrity of the golf ball, thus eliminating product waste.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical scraping is used to remove indicia and coating, then the surface can be cleaned, but the aerodynamic properties and coefficient of restitution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scraping with a chemical solvent process that achieves surface cleanliness without mechanical contact. The solvent penetrates and dissolves the coating layers and indicia, allowing complete surface cleaning while leaving the aerodynamic pattern and ball structure untouched, thereby preserving aerodynamic performance and coefficient of restitution.
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent mixture serves as an intermediary that performs the cleaning function without direct mechanical interaction with the aerodynamic pattern. The chemical agent selectively targets the coating and indicia materials, enabling thorough surface cleaning while the aerodynamic features remain undisturbed, thus maintaining reliability of aerodynamic performance.
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 method effectively recovers cosmetically blemished golf balls without compromising their aerodynamics, feel, or coefficient of restitution, enabling the reuse of premium golf balls.
Implementation Method 1
soaking the golf balls in a solvent
Implementation Method 2
subjected to ultrasonic treatment
Implementation Method 3
subjected to ultrasonic treatment
Implementation Method 4
subjected to an air knife
Data Source
AI summary
A process for removing the coating layers from finished golf balls is disclosed herein. The process involves soaking the golf balls in a removal solution and then subjecting the golf balls to ultrasonic treatment in order to remove a coating layer, an indicia and/or a paint layer.