Multi-layer core golf ball with hardness gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball designs with multi-layer cores lack optimal hardness gradients and material compositions that balance compression, spin rate, and initial velocity, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a core with a center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer, where each layer has specific hardness and thickness ranges, and is composed of rubber and non-rubber materials, including diene rubbers and ionomers, to achieve a desired hardness gradient and compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-layer core structure is used, then compression and spin rate are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into three distinct layers (center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer) with different hardness values and material compositions. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to the overall performance, with the softer center reducing spin and the harder outer layer enhancing initial velocity, thereby improving performance consistency through optimized functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the core have different material properties: the center has lower hardness (softer) to reduce spin rate, while the outer core layer has higher hardness to increase initial velocity. This local differentiation of material properties within the core structure optimizes performance by tailoring each region's characteristics to specific functional requirements.
2Speed
If the center hardness is increased, then initial velocity is improved, but spin rate control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The center region is designed with softer hardness compared to the outer core layer. This local softness in the center region helps control spin rate by providing a more compliant impact surface, while the harder outer layer (with higher hardness) compensates to maintain high initial velocity. The gradient from softer center to harder outer layer balances spin control and velocity generation.
3Speed
If the outer core layer hardness is increased, then initial velocity is improved, but compression characteristics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The outer core layer is designed with higher hardness to maximize initial velocity through efficient energy transfer at impact. However, the intermediate core layer is designed with lower hardness to maintain favorable compression characteristics, allowing the ball to compress adequately during impact. This creates a hardness gradient where the outer layer optimizes velocity while the inner layers preserve compression properties.
4Reliability
If a softer intermediate core layer is used, then spin rate is reduced, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate core layer is designed with softer material properties to reduce spin rate by providing a compliant transition zone between the center and outer layer. However, this softer layer is surrounded by harder outer core layers that provide structural reinforcement, preventing the softer intermediate layer from compromising overall structural integrity. The harder outer layers act as a protective shell for the softer internal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The core utilizes composite material construction with at least two different materials having different hardness values distributed across the layers. This composite structure allows the softer intermediate layer to fulfill its spin-reducing function while the harder outer layers provide the necessary structural strength and integrity to maintain core stability during impact and flight.
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a zero or positive hardness gradient center that is hard relative to an intermediate core layer.