Multi-Layer Golf Ball Core and Cover for Low Head Speed Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-piece solid golf balls fail to achieve optimal distance and comfort for amateur golfers with low head speeds, particularly on shots with drivers and irons, due to inadequate spin rate suppression and initial velocity enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a two-layer core with a soft inner core layer and a harder outer core layer, combined with a cover structure of multiple layers, including an intermediate and outer layer, where the outer layer has a Shore D hardness of at least 56, and specific hardness profiles and dimple configurations to control spin and enhance initial velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the core is made harder to increase initial velocity and distance, then distance is improved, but the feel at impact becomes harder and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into two distinct layers: an inner core layer with lower hardness (softer feel) and an outer core layer with higher hardness (higher initial velocity). This segmentation allows each layer to contribute different properties to the overall ball performance, resolving the contradiction between hardness for velocity and softness for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the core are assigned different hardness characteristics. The inner core layer has lower hardness to provide comfort and resilience, while the outer core layer has higher hardness to enhance initial velocity. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous optimization of both comfort and velocity.
2Speed
If the cover layer hardness is increased to suppress spin rate and improve distance, then distance is improved, but the ball becomes less comfortable at impact
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple layers with different hardness characteristics. The intermediate layer has moderate hardness to suppress spin rate, while the outer layer has higher hardness for durability and distance. This segmentation allows the ball to achieve both spin control and comfort through the softer inner portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers of the cover are assigned different hardness values. The intermediate layer uses a softer material for spin suppression and comfort, while the outer layer uses a harder material for durability. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between spin control and comfort.
3Productivity
If a multi-layer construction is used to optimize performance, then distance and feel are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is divided into three functional layers: inner core layer, outer core layer, and cover with intermediate and outer layers. Each layer is optimized for specific functions (comfort, velocity, spin control, durability). While this segmentation increases construction complexity, it enables sophisticated performance optimization that single-layer designs cannot achieve.
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 design enables golfers with low head speeds to achieve better distance and a comfortable feel on shots with various clubs by suppressing spin rates and increasing initial velocity, while maintaining durability and aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
by making the resilience of the outer core layer higher than the resilience of the inner core layer, there can be obtained a ball which ensures a superior distance in the low-head-speed region
Implementation Method 2
the hardest layer of the cover has a material hardness on the Shore D hardness scale of at least 56... such a ball construction holds down the spin rate of the ball on full shots
Implementation Method 3
a cover of one or more layer with numerous dimples formed on the outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-piece solid golf ball having a two-layer core with an inner core layer and an outer core layer and having a cover of one or more layer with numerous dimples on the surface is characterized in that the hardest cover layer has a specific material hardness and the ball has a specific value obtained by subtracting the surface hardness of the overall core from the surface hardness of the hardest cover layer, a specific deflection, and a specific value obtained by subtracting the initial velocity of the inner core layer from the initial velocity of the sphere consisting of the inner core layer encased by the outer core layer. This golf ball enables relatively low head speed golfers to achieve a good distance on full shots with drivers and iron clubs and also provides a soft, comfortable feel at impact.