Golf Ball Core Using Non-Acid Polymer and Plasticizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball designs with ethylene acid copolymer ionomer compositions often result in a hard feel, compromising comfort and spin control, as they prioritize toughness and resiliency over softness and feel.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball with a two-layered core assembly using thermoplastic non-acid polymer/plasticizer compositions, where the inner core and outer core layers have specific hardness gradients, and the non-acid polymer is selected from fluoropolymers, polyamides, and polyurethanes, with a plasticizer content that reduces hardness and compression, enhancing Coefficient of Restitution (CoR) and compression properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ethylene acid copolymer ionomer compositions are used in golf ball cores, then toughness and resiliency are improved, but hardness increases resulting in a hard feel that compromises comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into multiple layers with different material compositions - an inner core layer using non-acid polymer for softness and comfort, and an outer core layer using ionomer for toughness and resiliency. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The golf ball core uses a composite structure combining non-acid polymer (such as polyolefin, polyamide, or polyester) with ionomer material. This composite approach integrates the advantages of both materials: the non-acid polymer provides softness and comfort while the ionomer contributes toughness and resiliency, achieving a balanced performance profile.
2Speed
If ionomer resin is used to make core material, then initial velocity is improved, but hardness increases resulting in harsher feel
Solution Approach 1:
The core structure separates the velocity-generating function from the feel-providing function by placing the non-acid polymer inner core layer in direct contact with the clubface. This layer generates the soft, comfortable feel while the ionomer outer layer contributes to overall resiliency and velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the core are assigned different material properties: the inner region (inner core layer) uses non-acid polymer for softness and player comfort, while the outer region (outer core layer) uses ionomer for toughness and resiliency. This local differentiation of material quality allows simultaneous optimization of feel and performance.
3Reliability
If non-acid polymer and plasticizer compositions are used, then hardness and compression are reduced improving CoR, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes plasticizers to modify the physical parameters of the non-acid polymer, specifically reducing its hardness and compression characteristics. By adjusting the plasticizer content and type, the material's mechanical properties are tuned to achieve optimal CoR and compression while maintaining manufacturability through standard thermoplastic processing techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-layered golf balls containing a two-layered core assembly are provided. Preferably, at least one of the core layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that comprises: a) thermoplastic non-acid polymer, and b) plasticizer. In one preferred embodiment, the inner core is made of a first thermoplastic composition comprising the non-acid polymer and plasticizer; and the outer core layer is made of a second thermoplastic composition. For example, an ethylene acid copolymer may be used to form the outer core layer. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. Suitable non-acid polymers include, for example, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, and polyurethanes. The core assembly has a relatively high resiliency at given compressions.