Graphene-Enhanced Golf Ball Core with Embedded IC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional golf balls lack durability and retention of compression and coefficient of restitution (COR) over time, particularly under high-speed impacts and normal play conditions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating graphene into the core of golf balls, specifically in polybutadiene-based compositions, to enhance tensile strength, thermal conductivity, and durability, while embedding an integrated circuit (IC) for tracking purposes, with specific weight percentages and layer configurations to optimize performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional materials are used in golf ball core, then manufacturing cost is low and ease of manufacture is good, but durability and retention of compression and COR over time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining graphene with polybutadiene in the golf ball core. This composite structure provides both enhanced durability and compression retention while maintaining manufacturability through established composite material processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters by incorporating graphene at specific weight percentages (0.1-5.0%) into the polybutadiene matrix. This parameter modification improves durability and compression retention while allowing control over the degree of improvement based on graphene concentration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If graphene is incorporated into the core to improve durability, then mean time to fail increases, but device complexity increases due to integrated circuit embedding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemean time to failVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the golf ball core: structural reinforcement through graphene, durability enhancement, and integrated circuit embedding for tracking. This consolidation improves reliability while managing complexity by integrating components rather than adding separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The graphene-enhanced polybutadiene core serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural integrity, improves durability and compression retention, and creates a suitable matrix for embedding electronic tracking circuits. This multi-functionality addresses both durability and tracking needs within a single component system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If graphene is added to enhance tensile strength and durability, then impact resistance improves, but weight of the golf ball increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidweight of golf ball

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the graphene concentration parameter (0.1-5.0% by weight) to achieve the desired balance between tensile strength improvement and weight increase. This parameter optimization allows enhancement of impact resistance while minimizing weight addition to maintain compliance with golf ball specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 use of graphene significantly increases the mean time to fail (MTTF) under repeated impacts and improves the retention of compression and COR over time, enhancing the overall durability and performance of golf balls, and the embedded IC enables tracking functionality without exceeding USGA mass limitations.

Implementation Method 1

Graphene (individual sheets of reduced exfoliated graphite) sheets are typically few nanometers thick and few microns wide (aspect ratio of >1000). This high aspect ratio of graphene coupled with their high tensile strength (tensile strength in GPa compared to MPa for polymers) can lead to polymeric composite materials with very high tensile and flexural properties.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh tensile strength:

Implementation Method 2

This high aspect ratio of graphene coupled with their high tensile strength (tensile strength in GPa compared to MPa for polymers) can lead to polymeric composite materials with very high tensile and flexural properties.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComposite materials: Composite Materials

Implementation Method 3

Graphene's unusually high thermal conductivity (∼3000 W/mk compared to

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conductivity: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

RFID chips (tags) are used in many applications to individually track products. There is prior IP around RFID chips being embedded in golf balls to be used in combination with a device to track the individual ball.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11161014B1Graphene core golf ball with an integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 TOPGOLF CALLAWAY BRANDS CORP

AI summary

A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene with an embedded IC is disclosed herein. The golf ball preferably has a single core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an inner core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene.