Metamaterial Golf Ball Compositions for Tailored CoR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball compositions struggle to tailor the coefficient of restitution (CoR) to meet the needs of different player skill levels and comply with distance regulations, while minimizing variations due to environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elasto-magnetic metamaterial with a polymeric network and magnets into golf ball components, such as the core and cover, to manipulate the CoR and enhance resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional golf ball compositions are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the CoR cannot be precisely tailored to meet different player skill levels and regulatory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating iron oxide particles into the golf ball core composition. This composite approach enables precise manipulation of the CoR while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The iron oxide particles serve as a functional additive that modifies the elastic properties of the core material, allowing tailoring of rebound characteristics without fundamentally changing the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the concentration of iron oxide particles in the core composition. By adjusting this parameter, manufacturers can precisely control the CoR to match different player skill levels and comply with varying regulatory requirements. This continuous parameter adjustment provides versatile tailoring capability while keeping the base composition relatively simple.
2Speed
If golf ball compositions are adjusted to increase CoR for greater distance, then shot distance improves, but compliance with USGA distance regulations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by systematically varying the iron oxide particle concentration to achieve precise CoR control. This enables manufacturers to optimize shot distance while staying within USGA regulatory limits. The incremental adjustment capability allows finding the optimal balance between performance and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through controlled experimentation and testing to determine the relationship between iron oxide concentration and CoR. This feedback loop enables manufacturers to predict and adjust composition formulations to ensure regulatory compliance while maximizing distance performance within allowed parameters.
3Reliability
If standard golf ball materials are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but performance varies significantly with environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining iron oxide particles with the base core material. This composite structure provides enhanced performance consistency across varying environmental conditions. The iron oxide particles contribute to stabilizing the elastic properties of the core, reducing sensitivity to temperature and humidity variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the iron oxide concentration to achieve environmental stability. Through systematic variation and testing, the optimal composition ratio is determined that minimizes performance variation across different environmental conditions, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If high CoR compositions are used to benefit less skilled players, then initial velocity and distance increase, but the ball may be too resilient for skilled players seeking control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the iron oxide particle concentration to create a range of CoR values. This enables manufacturers to produce golf balls tailored to different player skill levels. Less skilled players benefit from higher CoR formulations for maximum distance, while skilled players can use lower CoR formulations for enhanced control and predictability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by creating a family of golf ball compositions that serve multiple player needs. The iron oxide-based system can be formulated to provide high resilience for amateur players or tuned for precise control for professional players, making the same compositional approach universally applicable across different skill levels.
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 solution allows for precise control of shot distance and resilience, catering to various player abilities and adhering to regulatory standards, while reducing performance disparities due to environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
elasto-magnetic metamaterial with a polymeric network and magnets contained in the polymeric network
Implementation Method 2
elasto-magnetic metamaterial with a polymeric network and magnets contained in the polymeric network
Implementation Method 3
the polymeric network is configured to transition between the open phase and the closed phase when struck by a golf club
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions including a resiliency additive and golf ball components made from such compositions having a tailored Coefficient of Restitution are disclosed. The type and concentration of the constituents in the composition, including the resiliency additive, affects the Coefficient of Restitution of components made from the composition and, thus, can be used to produce a golf ball having desirable performance characteristics.