Hexagonal Dipyramid Golf Ball Dimple Pattern

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a continuing need for golf ball dimple patterns with novel aerodynamic characteristics, particularly those based on hexagonal dipyramids, that can achieve high surface coverage and optimal dimple arrangement to enhance performance.

Innovation Solution

A golf ball dimple pattern defined by a hexagonal dipyramid with twelve substantially identical sections, featuring multiple dimple diameters and edge angles, ensuring that nearest neighbor dimples have a diameter ratio of 1.5 or less, and a majority of dimples are spherical with consistent edge angles, providing comprehensive surface coverage and aerodynamic benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hexagonal dipyramid dimple pattern is used with large diameter ratio (1.5 or greater), then aerodynamic characteristics are improved, but surface coverage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic characteristicsVSAvoidsurface coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The dimple pattern is segmented into twelve substantially identical dimple sections arranged according to a hexagonal dipyramid geometry. Each section contains dimples of at least three different diameters, creating a systematic division that optimizes both aerodynamic performance and surface coverage. This segmentation allows for controlled variation in dimple characteristics across the ball surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the ball surface have different dimple characteristics. Each dimple section contains a mix of small, medium, and large dimples with varying diameters and depths. The largest dimple diameter ratio among nearest neighbor dimples is controlled at 1.5, creating local variations that enhance aerodynamic performance while maintaining overall surface coverage of at least 78%.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple dimple diameters are used in each section, then aerodynamic performance is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoiddimple pattern complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex dimple pattern is divided into twelve identical sections, each containing dimples of at least three different diameters. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity by allowing the pattern to be created through repeated application of a single section template, while still achieving the aerodynamic benefits of varied dimple sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each dimple section contains asymmetric arrangements of dimples with different diameters and chord depths. The pattern includes small, medium, and large dimples positioned strategically within each section, creating asymmetric features that enhance aerodynamic performance through controlled turbulence and boundary layer management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If spherical dimples with consistent edge angles are used, then aerodynamic predictability is improved, but design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic predictabilityVSAvoiddimple design flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically varies multiple parameters including dimple diameter, chord depth, and edge angle across different dimple sections. The majority of dimples are spherical with edge angles between 12-15 degrees and maximum difference less than 2 degrees, providing predictability. Meanwhile, at least three different dimple diameters and varying chord depths within sections provide design flexibility to optimize aerodynamic performance across different flight conditions.

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 dimple pattern achieves a high surface coverage of at least 78% and improves aerodynamic characteristics, including an aerodynamic coefficient magnitude and force angle, enhancing the golf ball's flight performance.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic drag reduction: Drag

Implementation Method 2

Golf ball dimple patterns based on hexagonal dipyramids are known... discloses a dimple pattern based on a hexagonal dipyramid wherein the nearest neighbor dimples have a diameter ratio of about 1.5 or greater.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBoundary layer control: Boundary Layer

Data Source

PatentUS10183195B2Dimple patterns for golf balls

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

A golf ball dimple pattern based on a hexagonal dipyramid is disclosed. The dimples are arranged based on six substantially similar dimple sections on each of the two hemispheres of the ball.