Golf Ball Core Hardness Gradient Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf balls face challenges in achieving a balance between spin rate and playing characteristics, with two-piece balls offering high durability and distance but low spin, and three-piece balls providing spin but at the cost of distance and control, especially for recreational players.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered core golf ball design featuring a hardness gradient within each core layer and between layers, optimizing the distribution of hardness to enhance spin control and distance while minimizing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a two-piece solid core golf ball is used, then durability and distance are improved, but spin rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into multiple layers with different hardness values. The inner core layer has a first hardness value while the outer core layer has a second hardness value that is softer than the inner layer. This segmentation allows different regions to contribute differently to ball performance, with the harder inner layer providing distance and the softer outer layer generating spin.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the core are assigned different hardness properties. The inner core layer maintains a harder consistency for distance, while the outer core layer is formulated to be softer to enhance spin characteristics. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between distance and spin.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a three-piece wound golf ball is used, then spin rate is improved, but distance and control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The core is segmented into multiple layers with progressively different hardness values. The inner core layer is harder while the outer core layer is softer, creating a gradient structure that optimizes both spin and control without requiring complex wound construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardness parameter is changed across different core layers. By varying the hardness values from the inner to outer layers, the ball achieves optimized spin characteristics and control for recreational players without the manufacturing complexity of traditional wound balls.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple core layers with different hardness values are used, then spin control and distance are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into two main layers (inner and outer core layers) rather than multiple complex layers. Each layer can be manufactured separately and then bonded together, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while still achieving the desired spin control through the hardness gradient between layers.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next.