Golf Ball Dimple Profile Weighted Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball dimple designs lack the flexibility and precision to create unique surface profiles that can enhance aerodynamics and performance, as they are limited by fixed mathematical ratios and shapes that do not allow for significant variations in dimple edge angles, volumes, and chord depths.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball incorporates dimples with cross-sectional profiles defined by weighted functions, which are the product of base profiles (such as spherical, conical, or catenary) and continuous weighting functions, allowing for modifications through pure weighting or profile relative methods to create unique dimple shapes with varied edge angles, volumes, and chord depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mathematical ratios and shapes are used for dimple designs, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic performance and design flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using weighting functions (polynomial, exponential, trigonometric) to modify the base dimple profile parameters. This allows continuous variation of dimple edge angles, volumes, and chord depths without changing the fundamental manufacturing process, thereby achieving design flexibility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by transitioning from fixed mathematical ratios to dynamic, adjustable weighting functions. The weighting functions can be continuously modified to create different dimple profiles, enabling the dimple design to adapt to various aerodynamic requirements while using the same manufacturing mold.
2Adaptability or versatility
If uniform dimple profiles are used across the golf ball surface, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic performance is compromised due to lack of unique surface profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different weighting functions to be applied to different dimples or dimple groups on the golf ball surface. This creates unique surface profiles in specific locations while maintaining a uniform manufacturing process, achieving both profile diversity and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the dimple population into different categories based on the weighting functions applied. Different dimples can have different weighting functions (polynomial, exponential, trigonometric), creating profile diversity across the surface while using a single manufacturing mold that can produce all variations.
3Manufacturing precision
If sharp dimple edges are used, then aerodynamic performance may be improved through defined flow separation, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and surface smoothness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by using weighting functions that create curved, continuous dimple profiles without sharp edges. The polynomial, exponential, and trigonometric weighting functions generate smooth transitions at dimple edges, maintaining aerodynamic performance while ensuring surface smoothness that is easier to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball having dimples with cross-sectional profile shapes defined by the product of a base profile and one or more weighting functions, where at least two dimples are modified with a continuous weighting function having different base profiles is disclosed.