Irregular Polyhedron Dimple Patterns for Golf Ball Aerodynamics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball dimple patterns struggle to achieve optimal aerodynamic efficiency and surface coverage while maintaining symmetry, particularly for oversized balls, due to limitations in geometric shapes and arrangements that can lead to suboptimal performance in terms of distance and flight stability.
Innovation Solution
The use of irregular domains generated from polyhedrons, such as tetrahedrons, to create unique dimple patterns on golf balls through a midpoint to midpoint method, allowing for a uniform and symmetrical arrangement of dimples that cover the ball's surface efficiently, with specific dimensions and patterns optimized for different ball sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional geometric dimple patterns are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic efficiency and surface coverage are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball surface is divided into multiple irregular domains, each containing a specific number of dimples arranged in predetermined patterns. This segmentation allows complex overall patterns to be constructed from manageable modular units, improving both manufacturing precision and pattern uniformity across the ball surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mathematical algorithms that generate dimple patterns based on variable parameters such as domain size, dimple count per domain, and spatial distribution rules. By adjusting these parameters, optimal aerodynamic performance can be achieved while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through computerized design and molding processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If irregular domains are used to improve surface coverage, then aerodynamic performance increases, but pattern symmetry becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately uses irregular domains with non-uniform shapes and varying dimple distributions to optimize aerodynamic performance. The asymmetry in domain geometry allows better surface coverage and flow control, while the overall pattern maintains functional symmetry through balanced distribution across hemispheres, achieving superior aerodynamics without sacrificing essential symmetry requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional geometric patterns to three-dimensional irregular domains that conform to the spherical surface. This dimensional approach allows domains to wrap around the ball surface more efficiently, improving surface coverage and aerodynamic interaction while maintaining rotational symmetry through proper domain placement and orientation.
3Manufacturing precision
If more dimples are added to increase surface coverage, then drag reduction improves, but lift generation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different dimple densities and patterns in different regions of the golf ball surface. By varying the number and size of dimples within and between domains, the design optimizes local flow characteristics to simultaneously reduce drag in certain areas while maintaining or enhancing lift generation in others, achieving balanced aerodynamic performance.
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 the aerodynamic performance of golf balls by improving lift and reducing drag, leading to increased distance and stability in flight, while maintaining high symmetry and surface coverage, particularly beneficial for oversized balls.
Implementation Method 1
Aerodynamic forces generated by a ball in flight are a result of its velocity and spin. These forces can be represented by a lift force and a drag force. 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 2
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, which consist of pressure drag and viscous or skin friction drag.
Implementation Method 3
This phenomenon is attributed to Magnus, who described it in 1853 after studying the aerodynamic forces on spinning spheres and cylinders, and is described by Bernoulli's Equation, a simplification of the first law of thermodynamics.
Implementation Method 4
Bernoulli's equation relates pressure and velocity where pressure is inversely proportional to the square of velocity. The velocity differential, due to faster moving air on top and slower moving air on the bottom, results in lower air pressure on top and an upward directed force on 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.