Multi-layer Core Golf Ball with Thermoset and Thermoplastic Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing golf ball technologies fail to achieve a balance between low compression and optimal performance characteristics, particularly in terms of compression, coefficient of restitution, and surface hardness, using traditional multi-layer core designs.

Innovation Solution

A golf ball design featuring a multi-layer core comprising at least one thermoset core layer and one thermoplastic core layer, with specific thickness and hardness ranges for each layer, and a cover layer, to achieve a low compression and improved performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-layer core design with traditional materials is used, then structural complexity is reduced, but compression and performance characteristics cannot be optimized simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance characteristicsVSAvoidcore structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The core is divided into multiple layers with different materials (thermoset and thermoplastic) to achieve different functional characteristics in each layer, allowing simultaneous optimization of compression and performance without excessive overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials combining thermoset and thermoplastic compositions in different core layers to achieve unique construction and performance properties that cannot be obtained with traditional single-material designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stress or pressure

If compression is reduced to below 60, then low compression performance is achieved, but coefficient of restitution and surface hardness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompressionVSAvoidcoefficient of restitution

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different core layers have different material properties and hardness levels to locally optimize for compression in some areas while maintaining coefficient of restitution in others, resolving the contradiction between low compression and reliable performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes material parameters by using different thermoset and thermoplastic compositions with specific hardness ranges to achieve the desired balance between compression and coefficient of restitution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stress or pressure

If intermediate core layer thickness is increased, then compression is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompressionVSAvoidlayer thickness control

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate layer thickness is controlled within a specific range (0.01-0.06 inches) rather than being maximized, achieving sufficient compression reduction while maintaining manufacturability and avoiding excessive precision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10076684B2Multi-layer core golf ball

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

Low compression golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least three layers, including at least one thermoset layer and at least one thermoplastic layer.