Multi-layer Core Golf Ball with Thermoplastic Intermediate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball designs with multi-layer cores lack optimal combinations of materials and structures that balance compression, hardness, and specific gravity to achieve enhanced performance characteristics such as spin rate and initial velocity.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball construction featuring a center formed from a thermoset rubber composition, an intermediate core layer made from a thermoplastic composition, and an outer core layer also formed from a thermoset rubber composition, with specific dimensions and hardness ranges to optimize core properties, and a cover layer to enhance overall performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-layer core structure is used with thermoset rubber and thermoplastic materials, then the coefficient of restitution and spin rate are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into multiple layers with different materials: an inner thermoset rubber core, a middle thermoplastic layer, and an outer thermoset rubber cover layer. Each layer serves specific functional purposes to optimize performance characteristics such as coefficient of restitution and spin rate while managing manufacturing complexity through defined material zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines thermoset rubber and thermoplastic materials in a multi-layer configuration. The thermoset rubber provides elastic recovery and high coefficient of restitution, while the thermoplastic layer offers structural support and dimensional stability, creating a composite core structure that achieves superior performance metrics.
2Speed
If the center hardness is increased to improve compression characteristics, then the initial velocity improves, but the spin rate may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the core have different hardness properties: the inner thermoset rubber core has specific hardness characteristics for compression control, while the outer thermoset rubber cover layer has different hardness properties optimized for spin rate. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of initial velocity and spin rate without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies controlled ranges for center hardness (40-90 Shore C) and surface hardness (50-95 Shore C) of the inner core, and surface hardness (45-95 Shore C) of the outer core layer. By adjusting these hardness parameters within defined ranges, the design optimizes both compression characteristics for initial velocity and surface properties for spin rate generation.
3Weight of moving object
If the specific gravity of core layers is reduced to improve flight characteristics, then the distance improves, but the compression characteristics may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer composite structure allows each layer to contribute differently to overall performance. The thermoplastic middle layer provides structural integrity and compression resistance, while the thermoset rubber layers provide elastic recovery. This composite approach enables reduced specific gravity (1.25 g/cc or less) while maintaining adequate compression characteristics through the synergistic combination of materials.
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer.