Multi-Layer Golf Ball with Neutralization Gradients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls composed entirely of ionomeric and/or HNP-based layers face challenges in achieving resilience without a hard feel, as previous attempts have resulted in undesirably hard textures.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring at least three layers with ionomeric compositions, where each layer has a unique volume and percent neutralization, with specific relationships between adjacent layers to optimize playing characteristics, such as spin and feel, by ensuring the volume and neutralization ratios are interrelated and interdependent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If golf balls are made entirely of ionomeric and/or HNP-based layers, then impact resistance and durability are improved, but the feel becomes undesirably hard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct layers with different properties: a first ionomeric layer with 70-90% neutralization, a second HNP layer with 90-100% neutralization, and a third ionomeric layer with 70-90% neutralization. Each layer has specific hardness ranges (first layer: 40-60 Shore D, second layer: 50-70 Shore D, third layer: 40-60 Shore D) to provide varying local characteristics that collectively improve impact resistance while maintaining a softer overall feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining different ionomeric and HNP compositions with varying neutralization levels in a multi-layer structure. This composite approach allows the ball to integrate the toughness and durability of ionomers with the spin and feel characteristics of HNPs, achieving both impact resistance and desirable feel simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If percent neutralization is increased in ionomeric layers, then spin and feel characteristics are improved, but layer toughness and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different neutralization levels to different layers based on their functional requirements. The middle HNP layer has high neutralization (90-100%) optimized for spin and feel, while the outer ionomeric layers have moderate neutralization (70-90%) optimized for toughness and durability. This spatial distribution of properties resolves the contradiction between spin/feel and toughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the neutralization parameter across different layers to optimize performance. By varying neutralization from 70-90% in outer layers to 90-100% in the middle layer, the patent achieves a balance where high neutralization provides spin and feel benefits without compromising overall durability, as the outer layers maintain moderate neutralization for toughness.
3Ease of manufacture
If layer volumes are not proportionally balanced, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but playing characteristics such as spin and feel deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific volume ratio parameters between layers to optimize playing characteristics. The first layer has volume 0.3-0.5 times the second layer, and the third layer has volume 0.3-0.5 times the second layer. These quantified parameter relationships ensure proper spin and feel while remaining compatible with standard injection molding processes, balancing manufacturing simplicity with performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Golf ball having at least three layers comprising an ionomeric and/or HNP composition, wherein for each two adjacent layers there is a relationship between a ratio of the volumes of the two adjacent layers and a ratio of the percent (%) neutralizations of those two layers such that the volumes and % neutralizations of all layers are interrelated and interdependent to produce unique and desirable playing characteristics. In one embodiment, a golf ball of the invention has T layers, wherein T≧3 and each of the T layers has a different volume “V” and comprises an ionomeric and/or HNP composition having a different % neutralization “N”. Furthermore, each inner layer n of the T layers (n<T) has an adjacent surrounding layer n+1 such that a volume Vn and a % neutralization Nn of each inner layer and a volume V(n+1) and % neutralization N(n+1) of each adjacent surrounding layer n+1 satisfy the relationship (Vn−V(n+1))/Vn≦(N(n+1)−Nn)/Nn.