Lightweight Multicolor Golf Grip Cross-Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf grips face challenges in achieving a lightweight, multicolor design with a sharply defined color interface and soft, resilient feel while maintaining low density and resistance to permanent deformation, which is difficult due to the instability of low-density rubber materials during molding.
Innovation Solution
A compression molded golf grip with sections of differing colors, formed from elastomer compounds with a density of less than 0.90 g/cc, using cross-linking and expanding blowing agents to achieve a sharply defined cross-color interface and controlled compression characteristics, along with complementary geometries and mold designs to stabilize the interface and reduce viscosity issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lightweight rubber compounds with density less than 0.90 g/cc are used to reduce grip weight, then weight is reduced and performance is improved, but the material becomes unstable during molding making it difficult to achieve a sharply defined color interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the rubber compound by incorporating specific additives including vulcanizing agents, crosslinking agents, and processing aids. These parameter changes allow the lightweight rubber (density < 0.90 g/cc) to maintain stability during molding while achieving a sharply defined color interface. The crosslinking agents create molecular networks that stabilize the material structure during the molding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite rubber compounds that combine lightweight base rubber with various functional additives including crosslinking agents, vulcanizing agents, and processing aids. This composite approach maintains the low density requirement while introducing properties that ensure molding stability and sharp color interface definition. The multi-component formulation resolves the contradiction between lightness and manufacturability.
2Weight of moving object
If expanding blowing agents are used to achieve low density and lightweight properties, then weight is reduced, but viscosity control becomes difficult and interface stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the parameters of the expanding blowing agent system by selecting specific agents and adjusting their concentration within optimal ranges. This parameter control ensures that the expansion process occurs uniformly without compromising interface stability. The vulcanizing and crosslinking agents work in conjunction with the blowing agent to stabilize the expanding material during the molding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces crosslinking agents and processing aids as intermediary substances that mediate between the expanding blowing agent and the final product structure. These intermediaries control the expansion process, ensuring that the low-density structure forms with stable interfaces. The crosslinking agents create a molecular framework that prevents excessive flow and maintains interface definition during expansion.
3Ease of operation
If traditional rubber compounds are used to achieve a soft feel and resilience, then comfort is improved, but density increases making the grip heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the rubber compound by incorporating expanding blowing agents that create a cellular structure within the material. This structural parameter change reduces the overall density while maintaining the elastomeric properties that provide soft feel and resilience. The crosslinking density and distribution are controlled to preserve tactile comfort properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous or cellular rubber structures created by the expanding blowing agents during vulcanization. This porous structure reduces material density and weight while the cell wall composition and crosslinking maintain the softness and resilient properties. The controlled porosity allows the grip to remain lightweight without sacrificing the comfort and feel that golfers expect from traditional rubber compounds.
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 solution results in a lightweight, multicolor golf grip with improved stability and feel, providing consistent compressive force feedback and resistance to permanent deformation, enhancing golfer performance and grip comfort.
Implementation Method 1
cross-linking across a sharply defined cross-color interface
Implementation Method 2
controlled use of an expanding blowing agent in a rubber compound
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight compression molded multicolor golf grip having at least a first section and a second section of differing colors and composed of elastomer compounds joined by cross-linking across a sharply defined cross-color interface having an interface transition zone beyond which there is no mixing of the colors. The grip has a soft feel and unique compression characteristics achieved in some embodiments through the controlled use of an expanding blowing agent in a rubber compound. Achieving the sharply defined cross-color interface is due in part to the use of complementary geometries at opposing interface edges to increase the stability of the interface and reduce the flow during molding associated with the increased viscosity of low density rubber compounds, promote cross-linking of the sections, and better distribute and control the consolidation pressure.