Non-Circular Dimple Golf Ball Vortex Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circular dimples on golf balls limit the lift-drag ratio and driving distance due to vortices flowing in the same direction, causing a smaller separating boundary layer angle and insufficient lift action.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball with a dimple pattern featuring non-circular dimples, each with a width of more than 1.5 mm and a length of more than twice the width, arranged to generate vortices that flow in at least two different directions, increasing the separating boundary layer angle and reducing drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If circular dimples are used on the golf ball surface, then lift power is increased and drag is decreased, but the separating boundary layer angle is limited to a smaller value (max 105°) and vortices remain trapped in the dimples, reducing overall aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by replacing conventional circular dimples with non-circular (oval/rectangular) dimples that have specific aspect ratios (length 2-4 times width). This asymmetric geometry causes vortices to be generated and expelled in different directions rather than flowing in the same direction, thereby increasing the separating boundary layer angle beyond 105° and improving the lift-drag ratio while maintaining reduced drag.
2Productivity
If the separating boundary layer angle is increased to improve aerodynamic efficiency, then drag is reduced, but conventional circular dimples cannot achieve this due to vortex trapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from two-dimensional circular dimples to three-dimensional non-circular dimples with specific aspect ratios. This dimensional transformation enables the dimples to manipulate vortex flow patterns more effectively, allowing the separating boundary layer to achieve larger angles (beyond 105°) by expelling vortices in multiple directions rather than being constrained by circular geometry.
3Productivity
If non-circular dimples with specific aspect ratios are used, then vortices flow in at least two different directions and the separating boundary layer angle increases, but the dimple geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining specific geometric parameters for the non-circular dimples: aspect ratio (length 2-4 times width) and depth (0.2-0.8mm). By controlling these parameters, the dimples achieve optimal vortex expulsion and separating boundary layer angle increase without requiring overly complex patterns. The standardized parameter ranges make the design manufacturable while maintaining superior aerodynamic performance.
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 non-circular dimples enhance the lift-drag ratio and driving distance by allowing vortices to flow easily along the periphery, reducing drag and increasing lift, resulting in a longer driving distance.
Implementation Method 1
vortices generated in the non-circular dimples flow out in at least two different directions
Implementation Method 2
the separating boundary layer is existing in the vicinity of the maximum vertical width or diameter of the golf ball and then it induces vortices to generate at the back side of the golf ball
Implementation Method 3
the circular dimples should be formed to obtain the lift power by the speed difference of airflow at the up and down side of the golf ball
Implementation Method 4
it induces vortices to generate at the back side of the golf ball which leads to the drag action
Data Source
AI summary
Non-circular dimples such as oval form dimples are provided on the spherical surface of a ball body. A golf ball includes a spherical land surface of the ball body and a dimple pattern of a plurality of dimples formed on the spherical land surface, the spherical surface of the ball body being divided into a plurality of spherical surface parts (land surfaces) with each polygon faces of polyhedron which is virtually inscribed in said spherical surface of ball body, by a projection method from each polygon faces of the inscribed polyhedron, on each spherical surface parts some or all of the dimples being formed as non-circular dimple having a width of more than 1.5 mm and a length of more than 2 times of the width and the dimple pattern is disposed so as to make vortices generated in the non-circular dimples flow out in at least two different directions.