Non-Circular Golf Ball Dimple Shapes for Aerodynamic Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional golf ball dimple designs with circular shapes limit packing efficiency and surface coverage uniformity, restricting the optimization of aerodynamic characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The use of non-circular dimple plan shapes defined by the superposition of various curves such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, periodic, and algebraic polar curves, allowing for greater control and flexibility in dimple geometry and surface coverage, which enhances aerodynamic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If circular dimple plan shapes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but packing efficiency and surface coverage uniformity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimple geometry simplicityVSAvoidpacking efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from circular (symmetric) dimple plan shapes to non-circular shapes defined by superposed curves. This asymmetric design allows dimples to pack more efficiently on the spherical surface, improving surface coverage uniformity and enabling higher dimple counts for a given polyhedral base geometry, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and packing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Quantity of substance

If non-circular dimple plan shapes are used, then packing efficiency and surface coverage uniformity improve, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface coverage uniformityVSAvoiddimple geometry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by defining dimple perimeters through mathematical superposition of curves with adjustable parameters (e.g., number of points, radius ratios, orientation angles). This allows continuous optimization of packing efficiency and surface coverage uniformity while maintaining manufacturability through parametric design, balancing the trade-off between complexity and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If dimple profile is adjusted, then aerodynamic characteristics are optimized, but surface coverage uniformity remains constrained by circular geometry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidsurface coverage uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the composite principle by combining multiple curve elements (e.g., circular arcs, elliptical curves, polygonal edges) to define the dimple perimeter. This composite curve approach enables independent optimization of aerodynamic profile characteristics while achieving superior surface coverage uniformity through the non-circular plan shape, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic performance and surface coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10124213B2Non-circular golf ball dimple plan shapes and methods of making same

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a golf ball that includes at least a portion of its dimples having a plan shape defined by superposed curves. In addition, the present invention is directed to golf balls having improved aerodynamic performance due, at least in part, to the selection of the dimple plan shapes and resulting dimple patterns.