Multi-layer Golf Ball Core with Variable Specific Gravity
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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, affecting performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a center formed from thermoset rubber, an intermediate core layer made from thermoplastic composition, and an outer core layer also from thermoset rubber, with specific hardness and thickness ranges, and adjustable specific gravity to enhance 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 balance of hardness, compression, and specific gravity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into multiple layers with distinct materials: a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate layer, and a thermoset rubber outer layer. Each layer serves specific functional purposes, with the center providing compression characteristics, the intermediate layer providing structural support and bonding, and the outer layer providing hardness and durability. This segmentation allows optimization of each layer's properties independently to achieve overall performance balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material construction by combining thermoset rubber and thermoplastic materials in a multi-layer configuration. The thermoset rubber provides elasticity and compression recovery, while the thermoplastic intermediate layer provides structural integrity and bonding between layers. This composite approach enables tuning of specific gravity, hardness, and compression characteristics through material selection and layer thickness optimization.
2Strength
If the center hardness is increased to improve durability, then the coefficient of restitution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the core have different hardness properties optimized for their specific functions. The center maintains a hardness range of 40-70 Shore C for durability, while the outer core layer has a hardness of 45-95 Shore C for energy return. The intermediate layer provides a transition zone with specific gravity less than 1.05 g/cc. This local quality differentiation allows the ball to achieve both durability and high coefficient of restitution simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes performance by carefully controlling parameter ranges: center hardness (40-70 Shore C), outer layer hardness (45-95 Shore C), intermediate layer thickness (0.005-0.100 inches), and specific gravity (<1.05 g/cc). These parameter changes enable tuning of the balance between durability and energy return characteristics.
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. At least one of the core layers has a specific gravity of less than 1.05 g/cc and/or at least one of the core layers has a specific gravity of greater than 1.25 g/cc.