Modified Cycloid Golf Ball Dimple Profiles for Flight Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball dimple designs lack sufficient variability in cross-sectional profiles, limiting aerodynamic performance and flight stability.
Innovation Solution
Employing a modified cycloid curve to define the cross-sectional dimple profile, decoupling dimple diameter and chord depth, which allows for greater design flexibility and improved aerodynamic characteristics by enhancing the intersection angle and turbulent boundary layer acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dimple profiles are used, then manufacturing is simple, but aerodynamic performance and flight stability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a modified cycloid curve defined by specific mathematical equations (x = a*(θ - sinθ), y = a*(1 - cosθ)) with adjusted parameters to create a dimple profile that optimizes aerodynamic performance. The modification of the standard cycloid curve allows for controlled variations in curvature and depth that enhance flight stability while maintaining manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curvature principles by employing a cycloid curve that naturally provides continuous variation in radius of curvature along the dimple profile. This curved geometry creates a smooth transition in the dimple shape, which is essential for optimizing airflow patterns and reducing turbulence, thereby improving aerodynamic performance without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dimple diameter and chord depth are coupled, then manufacturing is simpler, but design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the control of dimple diameter and chord depth into independent parameters within the modified cycloid equation system. This allows designers to independently optimize each parameter for specific aerodynamic requirements without being constrained by coupled manufacturing processes, thereby increasing design flexibility while maintaining manufacturability through standardized forming techniques.
3Reliability
If standard cycloid curve is used, then mathematical simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic characteristics are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the standard cycloid curve by adjusting the mathematical parameters and equations to create an optimized dimple profile. The modified cycloid uses specific parameter relationships (x = a*(θ - sinθ), y = a*(1 - cosθ)) that enhance aerodynamic characteristics by controlling the curvature and depth variations, achieving superior performance while maintaining reasonable mathematical complexity.
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 modified cycloid curve design reduces drag force and improves flight stability by creating a sharp drop in air flow, resulting in enhanced aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing the intersection angle and turbulent boundary layer acceleration
Implementation Method 2
reduces drag force and improves flight stability by creating a sharp drop in air flow
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of a dimple pattern for a golf ball are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the golf balls disclosed herein can include dimples having a profile that is defined by a modified cycloid curve.