Liquid Ionomer Golf Ball Core Dispersion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball compositions face challenges in achieving optimal dispersion of particulate matter within core materials, which can lead to aggregation and affect the resiliency and rebounding performance, while existing additives may compromise the beneficial properties of the core.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a polymerized substituted imidazolium liquid ionomer into the core composition, along with a rubber material and fillers, to enhance dispersion and prevent aggregation, thereby maintaining or improving the core's resiliency and rebounding performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional additives are used to improve dispersion, then dispersion is enhanced, but the beneficial properties of the core are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid ionomer as an intermediary substance that mediates between the rubber material and filler particles. This liquid ionomer specifically interacts with both the rubber matrix and filler surfaces, providing a bridge that enhances dispersion without compromising the core's beneficial properties. The liquid ionomer acts as a compatible mediator that maintains the integrity of the core while improving filler distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the core composition by incorporating a liquid ionomer with specific molecular characteristics. This parameter change involves modifying the composition to include the liquid ionomer in specific amounts (0.1 to 30 parts by weight per 100 parts of rubber material), which alters the dispersion characteristics and maintains core properties without degradation.
2Quantity of substance
If filler material is added to adjust density, then density control is improved, but aggregation occurs affecting resiliency
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid ionomer serves as a mediator between the filler particles and the rubber matrix, preventing aggregation of filler material. It specifically interacts with filler surfaces to maintain uniform distribution while preserving the resiliency and rebounding performance of the core. The liquid ionomer acts as a protective intermediary that prevents harmful aggregation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining rubber material, filler, and liquid ionomer in specific proportions. This composite approach ensures that the filler is uniformly distributed within the rubber matrix while maintaining the elastic properties necessary for resiliency. The composite structure prevents aggregation and maintains both density control and performance characteristics.
3Stability of the object's composition
If polymerized substituted imidazolium liquid ionomer is added to enhance dispersion, then aggregation is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the liquid ionomer addition (0.1 to 30 parts by weight per 100 parts of rubber material) to optimize dispersion while controlling manufacturing complexity. By defining these specific parameters, the patent ensures that the enhanced dispersion is achieved through controlled composition adjustment rather than complex process modifications.
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 use of polymerized substituted imidazolium liquid ionomer effectively disperses fillers throughout the core composition, preventing aggregation and maintaining or enhancing the core's resiliency and rebounding performance, leading to improved golf ball flight distance and energy retention.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid ionomer helps disperse the filler material throughout the composition and prevents the build-up of clusters and aggregates
Implementation Method 2
0.1 to 5 parts by weight peroxide free-radical initiator
Implementation Method 3
5 to 50 parts by weight cross-linking co-agent
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-piece golf balls having at least one component made of a composition comprising a polymerized substituted imidazolium liquid ionomer are provided. The multi-piece golf ball contains a core, which may have a dual-core construction including a center and surrounding outer core layer or other multi-layered structure. Preferably at least one of the core layers is formed from a composition comprising a rubber material or highly neutralized acid copolymer (HNP) and the liquid ionomer. The resulting golf ball has high resiliency.