Low Compression Golf Ball Core and Cover Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls with low compression cores do not adequately balance distance, feel, and durability, particularly at low swing speeds, and lack innovative constructions that enhance performance.
Innovation Solution
A two-layer or three-layer golf ball design featuring a low compression core made from a polybutadiene blend composition and a thermoplastic cover layer, with specific hardness gradients and compositions to achieve a soft, low overall compression, increasing distance and improving feel while maintaining durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a low compression core is used to improve feel and distance at low swing speeds, then the ball compression decreases and feel improves, but durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball is divided into multiple layers with different compression characteristics. The core has low compression (10-30) to provide soft feel and distance at low swing speeds, while the cover layer has higher compression (40-80) to provide durability and protection. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction with a polybutadiene core combined with a thermoplastic ionomer cover layer. This composite structure combines the softness and elasticity of polybutadiene with the durability and toughness of the thermoplastic cover, resolving the contradiction between feel and durability.
2Speed
If a low compression core is used to increase distance at low swing speeds, then the coefficient of restitution improves, but the ball may lack the structure needed for consistent performance
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is segmented into functional layers: a low compression core for energy storage and release (improving distance), and a higher compression cover layer for structural stability. This segmentation ensures that the low compression core provides distance while the cover maintains performance consistency across different swing speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ball have different compression properties tailored to their functions. The core has low compression (10-30) optimized for distance at low swing speeds, while the cover has higher compression (40-80) optimized for durability and performance consistency. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between distance and performance stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer construction is used to simplify manufacturing, then production becomes easier, but the ball cannot achieve the balanced performance of multiple layers
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is segmented into 2-3 layers with distinct functions. The core layer provides compression and elasticity, while the cover layer provides durability and protection. This segmentation enables balanced performance that cannot be achieved with single-layer construction, while still maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through established multi-layer molding processes.
4Ease of operation
If the core compression is reduced below 20 to improve feel, then the ball becomes softer and more responsive at low swing speeds, but the overall ball compression may become too low affecting durability
Solution Approach 1:
The ball structure is segmented into a low compression core (10-30) for soft feel and a higher compression cover (40-80) for durability. This segmentation allows the core to be sufficiently soft for improved feel at low swing speeds while the cover provides the necessary strength and protection, resolving the contradiction between softness and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials with a polybutadiene core combined with a thermoplastic ionomer cover. This composite construction allows the core to achieve very low compression (10-30) for exceptional feel while the thermoplastic cover provides the strength and durability needed, enabling performance that neither material could achieve alone.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are two-layer and three-layer, low compression golf balls including a low compression single- or dual-layer rubber core and a single cover layer.