Hydroxyurethane Golf Ball Covers With Lower Moisture Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermoplastic and thermoset polyurethane compositions used in golf balls are moisture-sensitive, making them difficult to control in manufacturing and affecting performance and durability.

Innovation Solution

The use of hydroxyurethane linkages formed from a reaction between cyclic carbonates and amine-terminated components, with minimal isocyanate content, to create compositions that are less moisture-sensitive while maintaining desirable performance attributes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional isocyanate-based polyurethane compositions are used to form golf ball covers, then desirable resiliency and durability are achieved, but moisture sensitivity increases making manufacturing difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using hydroxyurethane linkages instead of conventional isocyanate-based polyurethane. This substitution maintains the elastomeric properties and durability while significantly reducing moisture sensitivity, thereby improving manufacturability without sacrificing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces hydroxyurethane linkages as an intermediary chemical structure that bridges the gap between the desired performance characteristics of polyurethane and the need for reduced moisture sensitivity. This intermediary structure provides the necessary mechanical properties while being less reactive to moisture during manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If isocyanate-containing components are used in polyurethane compositions, then elastomeric properties are achieved, but reactivity to moisture increases causing processing difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelastomeric propertiesVSAvoidmoisture reactivity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful isocyanate component from the polyurethane composition while retaining the desired elastomeric properties through the use of hydroxyurethane linkages. This extraction eliminates the moisture reactivity issue while preserving the mechanical strength and flexibility needed for golf ball covers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful moisture reactivity of isocyanate groups into a benefit by using hydroxyurethane linkages that are inherently less reactive to moisture. The resulting composition maintains or improves elastomeric properties while eliminating the processing difficulties caused by excessive moisture sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If thermoset polyurethane is used for golf ball covers, then toughness and durability are improved, but processability decreases compared to thermoplastic

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetoughnessVSAvoidprocessability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the crosslinking parameters by using hydroxyurethane linkages that provide thermoset characteristics without excessive crosslinking. This results in a composition that achieves the desired toughness and durability while maintaining better processability compared to conventional thermoset polyurethanes

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 compositions provide improved moisture resistance and durability, with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties, reducing porosity and improving adhesion to underlying layers.

Implementation Method 1

formed from a reaction between cyclic carbonates and amine-terminated components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20250345663A1Golf ball components formed from hydroxyurethane compositions

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

Thermoplastic and thermoset compositions including hydroxyurethane linkages, golf ball components formed using such thermoplastic or thermoset compositions, and golf balls including such golf components.