Multi-layered Golf Ball Cover Using Aromatic and Aliphatic Polyurethanes

Solution Overview

Problem

Golf balls with aromatic isocyanate-based polyurethane covers face issues with poor light stability and potential discoloration under UV exposure, while aliphatic isocyanate-based polymers offer better stability but compromise on mechanical strength and durability.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered golf ball design featuring an inner ionomer composition, an intermediate aromatic polyurethane layer, and an outer aliphatic polyurethane layer, each contributing to optimal physical, playing, and cosmetic properties, including improved light stability and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If aromatic isocyanate-based polyurethane is used for the golf ball cover, then mechanical strength and durability are improved, but light stability deteriorates causing discoloration under UV exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidlight stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The golf ball cover is divided into multiple layers with different material compositions. The inner cover layer uses aromatic polyurethane for mechanical strength, while the outer cover layer uses aliphatic polyurethane for light stability, thereby segmenting the conflicting requirements across different spatial zones of the same component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite structure combining aromatic polyurethane and aliphatic polyurethane in a multi-layered configuration. This composite material approach allows the aromatic layer to provide cut/shear-resistance and the aliphatic layer to provide UV resistance, achieving both mechanical strength and light stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If aliphatic isocyanate-based polymer is used for the golf ball cover, then light stability is improved, but mechanical strength and durability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight stabilityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The golf ball cover is divided into multiple layers with different material compositions. The inner cover layer uses aromatic polyurethane for mechanical strength, while the outer cover layer uses aliphatic polyurethane for light stability, thereby segmenting the conflicting requirements across different spatial zones of the same component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite structure combining aromatic polyurethane and aliphatic polyurethane in a multi-layered configuration. This composite material approach allows the aromatic layer to provide cut/shear-resistance and the aliphatic layer to provide UV resistance, achieving both mechanical strength and light stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If a single-layer cover is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to provide both mechanical strength and light stability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidperformance optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The golf ball cover is divided into multiple layers with different material compositions. The inner cover layer uses aromatic polyurethane for mechanical strength, while the outer cover layer uses aliphatic polyurethane for light stability, thereby segmenting the conflicting requirements across different spatial zones of the same component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite structure combining aromatic polyurethane and aliphatic polyurethane in a multi-layered configuration. This composite material approach allows the aromatic layer to provide cut/shear-resistance and the aliphatic layer to provide UV resistance, achieving both mechanical strength and light stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9044648B2Golf balls having multi-layered covers based on aromatic and aliphatic polyurethanes

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

Golf balls having multi-layered covers are provided. The cover includes an inner cover layer made of an ionomer composition; an intermediate cover layer made of an aromatic polyurethane composition; and outer cover layer made of an aliphatic polyurethane composition, wherein the total thickness of the multi-layered cover is no greater than 0.110 inches. Preferably, the thickness of the inner cover layer is 0.010 to 0.050 inches; the thickness of the intermediate cover layer is 0.010 to 0.040 inches; and thickness of the outer cover layer is 0.004 to 0.020 inches. The invention also includes methods for making such multi-layered covers. The resulting ball has good light-stability, cut/shear-resistance, and impact durability.