Golf Ball Subsurface Dimples for Aerodynamic Symmetry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball dimple patterns struggle to achieve optimal aerodynamic symmetry and surface coverage, limiting their ability to enhance flight characteristics and performance due to geometric constraints and the limited number of symmetric solid plane systems.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of subsurface dimples on a golf ball, where the first subsurface is offset from the exterior surface by a specific radius, allowing for non-circular perimeters and varying curvatures, with dimples positioned within these subsurfaces to create a unique dimple arrangement that enhances aerodynamic efficiency and surface coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional geometric dimple patterns are used on the exterior surface, then aerodynamic symmetry is maintained, but surface coverage is limited and aerodynamic efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second surface (subsurface) beneath the exterior surface of the golf ball, creating a multi-layered dimple configuration. This dimensional transition from a single surface to multiple surfaces allows for increased total dimple surface area and improved aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining compliance with U.S.G.A. requirements for aerodynamic symmetry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the second surface with additional dimples within the structural framework of the first surface, creating a nested configuration where subsurface dimples are positioned beneath and between the exterior dimples. This nesting approach maximizes surface coverage without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If more dimples are added to increase surface coverage, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dimple configuration into separate segments on different surfaces - the first surface contains a primary dimple pattern while the second surface contains additional dimples. This segmentation allows each surface to be manufactured and controlled independently, reducing the cumulative precision requirements compared to placing all dimples on a single surface.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning to a multi-surface configuration, the patent distributes dimples across different spatial planes, which reduces the manufacturing precision burden on any single surface while achieving increased total surface coverage and aerodynamic efficiency.
3Reliability
If subsurface dimples are added to increase surface coverage, then aerodynamic performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second surface beneath the exterior surface to accommodate additional dimples, thereby improving flight stability and aerodynamic performance. The multi-surface structure is designed to maintain overall symmetry and functional simplicity while enabling enhanced aerodynamic characteristics through increased dimple surface area.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If dimple patterns are optimized for aerodynamic efficiency, then drag is reduced, but aerodynamic symmetry may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric dimple configurations on individual surfaces while maintaining overall symmetric arrangement across the multi-surface structure. This allows each surface to have optimized dimple patterns for reduced drag while the combined multi-surface configuration preserves the aerodynamic symmetry required by U.S.G.A. standards.
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 configuration improves aerodynamic performance by optimizing dimple placement and surface area coverage, leading to better flight stability and reduced drag, while maintaining compliance with U.S.G.A. requirements for aerodynamic symmetry.
Implementation Method 1
Lift force is perpendicular to the direction of flight and is a result of air velocity differences above and below the rotating ball. This phenomenon is attributed to Magnus, who described it in 1853 after studying the aerodynamic forces on spinning spheres and cylinders
Implementation Method 2
Bernoulli's equation relates pressure and velocity where pressure is inversely proportional to the square of velocity. The velocity differential, due to faster moving air on top and slower moving air on the bottom, results in lower air pressure on top and an upward directed force on the ball
Implementation Method 3
Drag is opposite in sense to the direction of flight and orthogonal to lift. The drag force on a ball is attributed to parasitic drag forces, which consist of pressure drag and viscous or skin friction drag
Implementation Method 4
dimples provide a means to energize the flow field and delay the separation of flow, or reduce the wake region behind the ball
Implementation Method 5
Skin friction is a viscous effect residing close to the surface of the ball within the boundary layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a golf ball having an aerodynamic subsurface for packing dimples. More particularly, the invention relates to a golf ball having an exterior surface and at least a first subsurface containing at least two dimples located solely on the subsurface and lying below the exterior surface of the golf ball. A transition zone between the exterior surface and the subsurface is disclosed having an angle of transition and a top radius and a bottom radius. According to the present invention, the exterior surface and at least the first subsurface have at least a first and second surface textures that are different.