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 hardness, compression, and specific gravity to achieve enhanced performance metrics such as coefficient of restitution and spin rate.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a multi-layer core comprising a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer, with specific hardness and thickness ranges, and a cover layer, optimized to achieve improved performance characteristics.
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 device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into multiple layers with distinct materials: a thermoset rubber center layer, a thermoplastic intermediate layer, and a thermoset rubber outer layer. Each layer serves specific functional purposes to optimize performance metrics while managing structural complexity through deliberate segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining thermoset rubber and thermoplastic materials in a multi-layer configuration. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its advantageous properties, achieving superior coefficient of restitution and spin rate characteristics.
2Speed
If the center hardness is increased to improve spin rate, then the spin rate improves, but the compression increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different hardness characteristics are assigned to different regions of the core. The center layer has specific hardness properties optimized for spin rate, while the outer layer has different hardness characteristics. This local differentiation allows the ball to achieve high spin rate without excessive overall compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes performance by carefully controlling the hardness parameters of each core layer within specific ranges. By adjusting the hardness of the center and outer layers independently, the design achieves improved spin rate while managing compression through parameter optimization rather than uniform hardness increase.
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.