3D Freted Golf Ball Surface for Short-Game Traction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Golf balls with smooth fret areas lack sufficient traction, leading to increased roll-out and reduced ability to stop the ball on the playing surface, especially under conditions where high spin rates are not achievable.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating three-dimensional irregular or truncated irregular pyramid-shaped fret areas on the golf ball surface, which increase traction by providing additional texture and grip on impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the fret area is kept smooth to maintain aerodynamic performance, then the golf ball can achieve optimal flight characteristics, but the golf ball lacks sufficient traction on the playing surface leading to increased roll-out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidtraction on playing surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating three-dimensional shaped fret areas only in specific locations on the golf ball surface where traction is needed, while maintaining smooth fret areas in other regions that preserve aerodynamic performance. This selective texturing allows different parts of the ball to have different properties optimized for their specific functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a third dimension by forming three-dimensional shaped fret areas with height ranging from about 0.002 inches to about 0.025 inches. This vertical dimension adds texture and grip to the otherwise two-dimensional surface, enabling the ball to penetrate and grip the playing surface effectively without compromising the smooth aerodynamic profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the fret area is made three-dimensional shaped to increase traction, then the golf ball can reduce roll-out and improve stopping power, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestopping powerVSAvoidfret area structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fret area into multiple three-dimensional shaped regions distributed across the ball surface. Each segment is a discrete three-dimensional structure with specific dimensional characteristics, allowing the complex traction function to be achieved through multiple simpler units rather than one complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the geometry of the three-dimensional shaped fret areas through specific parameter ranges: height between 0.002 and 0.025 inches, surface area between 0.001 and 0.008 square inches. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves effective traction while keeping the manufacturing process manageable through defined dimensional constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260014425A1Golf balls having improved short game performance

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

Golf balls having three-dimensional shaped fret areas and methods of making the same are disclosed. The three-dimensional shaped fret areas have at least three edges that meet at an apex point or an apex surface. The three-dimensional shaped fret areas may have a three-dimensional irregular pyramid shape or a three-dimensional truncated irregular pyramid shape. The three-dimensional shaped fret areas create golf balls having increased traction upon impact with the playing surface.