Multi-Layer Golf Ball Cover Using Segmented Ionomer and Polyurethane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf balls with single covers lack the necessary resilience and durability, leading to reduced travel distance and playability, while also compromising on hardness and cut resistance.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a dual-core configuration with a polybutadiene inner core and an optional outer core layer, combined with a multi-layer cover comprising a low acid ionomer blend inner layer and a polyurethane outer layer, enhancing coefficient of restitution and spin rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single cover is used on a dual core golf ball, then the structure is simple, but resilience and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple layers with distinct functions: an inner layer composed of ionomer material providing resilience and durability, and an outer layer composed of polyurethane material providing hardness and cut resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover combines two different materials - ionomer and polyurethane - to create a composite structure. The ionomer inner layer provides elastic recovery and durability, while the polyurethane outer layer provides hardness and protection against cuts and abrasion, achieving superior overall performance.
2Reliability
If a single cover is used on a dual core golf ball, then the structure is simple, but cut resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into an inner ionomer layer and an outer polyurethane layer, where the outer polyurethane layer specifically provides cut resistance and abrasion protection, while the inner ionomer layer provides durability and resilience.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines ionomer and polyurethane materials, with the polyurethane outer layer forming a hard protective barrier against cuts and abrasion, while the ionomer inner layer maintains durability through its elastic properties.
3Length of moving object
If a single cover is used on a dual core golf ball, then the structure is simple, but travel distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into functional layers where the inner ionomer layer maximizes resilience and elastic recovery to enhance ball flight distance, while the outer polyurethane layer provides protective hardness.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite cover structure combines the high resilience of ionomer material with the protective hardness of polyurethane material, creating a synergistic effect that improves both travel distance and durability simultaneously.
4Ease of operation
If a single cover is used on a dual core golf ball, then the structure is simple, but playability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into an inner ionomer layer that provides resilient feedback and durability for consistent playability, and an outer polyurethane layer that provides hardness for controlled feel and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines ionomer and polyurethane materials to achieve optimal playability through the synergistic properties of both materials, providing both durability and controlled feel.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dual-core and multi-layer cover design improves resilience, durability, and playability by increasing travel distance and maintaining desirable hardness and cut resistance, while providing a more favorable feel and coefficient of restitution.
Implementation Method 1
The inner core center comprises a polybutadiene material and has a deflection of greater than 0.210 inch under a load of 100 kilograms
Implementation Method 2
The cover is composed of an ionomer material and has plaque Shore D hardness ranging from 50 to 62
Implementation Method 3
The core has a deflection ranging from 0.130 inch to 0.105 inch under a load of 100 kilograms
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball comprising a core comprising an inner core center and an outer core layer disposed over the inner core center. The inner core center has a deflection of greater than 0.210 inch under a load of 100 kilograms, and the entire the core has a deflection ranging from 0.130 inch to 0.105 inch under a load of 100 kilograms. A mantle layer is disposed over the core and a cover is disposed over the mantle.