Golf Ball Core Hardness Gradient via Trans-Polybutadiene Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cost-effective and efficient method to produce golf balls with a single-layer core that exhibits a medium hard-to-soft positive hardness gradient from the surface to the center, which is not efficiently addressed by existing technologies that often require time-consuming processes or result in conventional hard surface to soft center gradients.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a single core with a substantially homogenous rubber composition, surrounded by an inner cover layer made from an ionomeric material and an outer cover layer made from castable polyurea or polyurethane, achieving a shallow positive hardness gradient by controlling the trans-polybutadiene content and hardness values across the core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional hard-to-soft hardness gradient cores are used, then durability and resilience are improved, but the hardness gradient is too large (15-25+ Shore C) causing excessive spin and loss of control for moderate-speed golfers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a medium hardness gradient core where the hardness varies gradually from the center to the surface, with specific Shore C hardness values at different radial positions. This localized variation in hardness properties allows the core to provide durability through appropriate hardness while controlling spin characteristics for moderate-speed golfers, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-layer cores with complex hardness gradients are manufactured, then performance properties are improved, but manufacturing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by controlling the hardness profile through material composition and curing parameters rather than using multiple physical layers. The medium hardness gradient is achieved by adjusting cross-linking density and polymer composition throughout the core, allowing complex performance properties to be obtained through parameter control rather than complex multi-layer construction, thus improving manufacturing efficiency.
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 solution enables the production of golf balls with a controlled hardness gradient, enhancing resilience and durability while maintaining a cost-effective manufacturing process, allowing for a range of performance properties tailored to different golfer abilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one layer, preferably a solid core, has a medium, positive hardness gradient and concurrently includes a trans-polybutadiene gradient
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball includes a core having an outer surface and a geometric center. The core is formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition. An ionomeric inner cover layer is formed about the core and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The golf ball includes an outer cover layer formed from a polyurea or a polyurethane and having a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C. The geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 60 to 80 Shore C. The core has an outer surface hardness greater than a geometric center hardness by about 5 to 19 Shore C to define a positive hardness gradient.