Multi-Layer Golf Ball Resolving Spin and Distance Trade-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls face challenges in achieving high spin rates on approach shots while maintaining flight distance on driver shots, as soft cover materials increase spin rates and reduce flight distance, and high resilience intermediate layers compromise shot feeling and durability.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design with an intermediate layer composed of 30-70% modified polyester elastomer and 70-30% binary ionomer resin, having a Shore D hardness of 40-60 and a thickness less than 1.2 mm, combined with a hard envelope layer and soft cover, achieving a balance between resilience and shot feeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a soft cover material is used to increase spin rate on approach shots, then spin rate is improved, but flight distance on driver shots deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball is divided into multiple functional layers: a soft cover layer for high spin rate on approach shots, a resilient intermediate layer for flight distance on driver shots, and a hard envelope layer for durability. Each layer is optimized for its specific function rather than using a single material for the entire ball.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the golf ball have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The cover layer is soft (Shore D hardness less than 40) for high spin on approach shots, while the intermediate layer is highly resilient for flight distance, and the envelope layer is hard for durability. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between spin rate and flight distance.
2Length of moving object
If a high resilience intermediate layer is used to improve flight distance, then flight distance is improved, but shot feeling and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball structure separates the function of achieving flight distance (intermediate layer) from the function of providing durability (envelope layer). The intermediate layer can be highly resilient without compromising durability because the hard envelope layer protects the softer, more resilient intermediate layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope layer is designed with high hardness (Shore D hardness 60 or more) specifically to provide durability and protect the inner layers, while the intermediate layer maintains high resilience for flight distance. This local differentiation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
3Speed
If a soft cover is used to improve spin rate on approach shots, then spin rate is improved, but shot feeling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball separates the spin generation function (cover layer) from the shot feeling function (intermediate and envelope layers). The soft cover layer generates high spin on approach shots, while the resilient intermediate layer and hard envelope layer provide the desired shot feeling by maintaining structural integrity during impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover layer is optimized for spin rate with soft material (Shore D hardness less than 40), while the intermediate layer (Shore D hardness 40-60) and envelope layer (Shore D hardness 60 or more) are optimized for shot feeling and durability. This local optimization allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a golf ball having a center, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover, wherein the intermediate layer has a thickness less than 1.2 mm, the envelope layer has a hardness Hs of 60 or more, the intermediate layer has a hardness Hm from 40 to 60, and the cover has a hardness Hc less than 40 in Shore D hardness, and the hardness Hs, Hm and Hc satisfy a following mathematical expression: Hs>Hm>Hc, and the intermediate layer composition has a flexural modulus from 150 MPa to 450 MPa, a maximum loss factor (tan δ) between −20° C. and 0° C. of 0.08 or less, a rebound resilience of 55% or more.