Golf Ball Core Hardness Gradients for Spin and Feel Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls do not adequately tailor core hardness gradients to meet the diverse performance needs of golfers with varying skill levels, leading to inconsistent spin rates and feel, which can affect shot control and comfort.
Innovation Solution
Golf balls with core layers featuring tailored hardness gradients, achieved through the use of specific rubber compositions and water-releasing agents during curing, allowing for positive and zero hardness gradients in different layers, to control spin rates and feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the core hardness gradient is increased to reduce spin rate, then spin control for recreational players is improved, but shot dispersion increases for skilled players who need high spin for control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different hardness gradients in different core layers. The inner core layer has a first hardness gradient while the outer core layer has a second hardness gradient, allowing each layer to contribute differently to spin control and shot consistency, thus satisfying both recreational and skilled player needs
Solution Approach 2:
The core is segmented into multiple layers with distinct hardness gradient characteristics. This segmentation allows independent optimization of spin rate and shot consistency functions across different layers, resolving the contradiction between adaptability for different skill levels and reliability for consistent performance
2Strength
If the core hardness is increased to improve durability, then impact durability is improved, but the soft feel that players prefer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality differences within the core structure by implementing varying hardness gradients across inner and outer layers. This allows the core to exhibit both high durability (through overall hardness) and soft feel (through localized softer regions), satisfying both durability and player comfort requirements
3Ease of manufacture
If a single core hardness gradient is used to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the ability to tailor performance for different skill levels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into multiple layers with different hardness gradient characteristics, enabling performance tailoring for different skill levels while maintaining a systematic manufacturing approach that doesn't significantly increase complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the hardness gradient values between inner and outer core layers. This allows performance optimization for different player skill levels through controlled adjustment of physical parameters during manufacturing
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
The tailored hardness gradients in golf ball cores provide improved spin control and feel, enhancing player performance by adjusting spin rates and durability based on skill level, thus improving shot accuracy and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the rubber composition including a base rubber, an organic peroxide, a cross-linking co-agent, at least two water releasing agents, the water releasing agents selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate dihydrate, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, and aluminum sulfate hydrate
Implementation Method 2
the rubber composition cured under heat, the rubber composition including a base rubber, an organic peroxide, a cross-linking co-agent
Implementation Method 3
the core is formed from a rubber composition cured under heat
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls having core layers with individual hardness gradients are provided. The cores have at least one layer with an increased “positive” hardness gradient (or a “hard-to-soft” hardness) where the outer surface of the core is harder than the center. The increased positive hardness gradient can be achieved by introducing a water-releasing agent into the core rubber formulation during the curing process. The cores may also have a “zero” hardness gradient in another layer. By utilizing different hardness gradients in the core layers, the present disclosure allows for the properties of the final golf ball to be manipulated to produce desired performance characteristics.