Golf Ball Dimple Patterns Using Irregular Polyhedral Tessellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball dimple patterns struggle to achieve optimal aerodynamic efficiency and symmetry, often resulting in suboptimal surface coverage and performance, due to limitations in geometric shapes and arrangements that can be used while maintaining U.S.G.A. regulations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating irregular domains based on polyhedrons, packing these domains with dimples, and tessellating them onto the golf ball surface using techniques like midpoint to midpoint methods, ensuring uniform patterns and preserving symmetry, which allows for greater flexibility in dimple arrangement and minimizes the appearance of parting lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional geometric shapes (circles, hexagons, triangles) are used for dimple patterns, then aerodynamic symmetry is maintained, but surface coverage is suboptimal and aerodynamic efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using irregular domains with non-straight segments instead of traditional symmetric geometric shapes. These irregular domains are defined by control points connected with non-straight lines, creating asymmetric patterns that can cover more surface area while still maintaining overall aerodynamic symmetry through the tessellation process. The irregular shapes allow for optimized surface coverage without compromising the balanced aerodynamic performance required by U.S.G.A. regulations.
2Quantity of substance
If more dimples are added to increase surface coverage, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but the complexity of pattern design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the golf ball surface into multiple irregular domains, each defined by control points and non-straight segments. These domains are then tessellated across the surface, creating a systematic pattern that can accommodate a high number of dimples while maintaining design manageability. The segmentation approach allows for organized placement of numerous dimples without requiring complex ad hoc design for each individual dimple position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by creating a general tessellation framework that can generate consistent dimple patterns across the entire golf ball surface. The irregular domains defined by control points serve as universal building blocks that can be replicated and arranged in various configurations, providing a multi-functional design system that handles both pattern generation and symmetry maintenance through a single systematic approach.
3Area of stationary object
If irregular domains with non-straight segments are used, then surface coverage and aerodynamic efficiency are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the irregular domains with control points and non-straight segments before the actual dimple placement process. The domains are tessellated and finalized in advance, creating a predetermined pattern framework that guides subsequent dimple manufacturing. This preliminary design phase allows for optimized surface coverage to be established before production, reducing the precision burden during actual manufacturing by providing clear guidance for dimple placement.
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
This approach enhances aerodynamic efficiency and symmetry, leading to improved flight stability and performance by creating unique dimple patterns that cover the golf ball surface effectively without compromising symmetry, thus achieving better aerodynamic characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
tessellating the domains onto the surface of the golf ball
Implementation Method 2
Lift force is perpendicular to the direction of flight and is a result of air velocity differences above and below the rotating ball
Implementation Method 3
Drag is opposite in sense to the direction of flight and orthogonal to lift. The drag force on a ball is attributed to parasitic drag forces
Implementation Method 4
dimples provide a means to energize the flow field and delay the separation of flow, or reduce the wake region behind the ball
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.