Non-Spherical Golf Ball Dimples for Airflow Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spherical dimples in golf balls limit dimple count and packing efficiency, leading to inconsistent airflow and visual appearance, as they cannot be tessellated with narrow uniform gaps, and existing non-spherical designs do not adequately optimize directional airflow and dimple flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-spherical dimples with a non-axially symmetric plan shape, defined by a non-periodic, continuous edge angle function, allowing each dimple to consist of two arcs extending from a maximum depth point to the land area, providing flexibility in dimple count, placement, and visual appearance while optimizing airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spherical dimples with circular perimeters are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but dimple count and packing efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from circular to non-circular dimple perimeters. Specifically, the dimple perimeters are defined by curved lines that are not circular, allowing for optimized packing arrangements. This asymmetric design enables higher dimple counts while maintaining manufacturability through the use of defined geometric parameters and functions that can be implemented in existing manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dimensional complexity by defining dimple perimeters through functions of radial angles rather than simple circular equations. The perimeters are characterized by equations involving trigonometric functions and parameters that define complex curved shapes, moving from two-dimensional circular simplicity to three-dimensional geometric complexity that optimizes packing efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If circular plan-shaped dimples are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but airflow consistency is compromised due to inability to tessellate with narrow uniform gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric perimeter designs that enable better tessellation of the golf ball surface. The non-circular perimeters created through the defined functions allow dimples to pack more efficiently with narrower and more uniform gaps, resulting in more consistent airflow patterns across the dimple array while remaining manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the specific geometric parameters of each dimple perimeter through defined functions. The edge angles and curvature radii are locally optimized at different positions around the dimple perimeter to achieve uniform gap spacing and consistent airflow characteristics, rather than using a uniform circular design.
3Reliability
If non-spherical dimple designs are used, then airflow optimization and dimple flexibility are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages complexity through parameter changes by defining non-spherical dimple perimeters through specific mathematical functions with controlled parameters. The perimeters are characterized by equations involving radial angles, edge angles, and curvature radii that can be systematically varied to optimize airflow while maintaining manufacturability. This parameter-based approach makes the complexity manageable and reproducible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains curvature continuity by ensuring that the dimple perimeters are defined by smooth curved lines without sharp corners or discontinuities. The use of trigonometric functions and continuous parameter definitions ensures that the perimeters remain smoothly curved, which is important for both aerodynamic performance and manufacturability, bridging the gap between non-spherical optimization and manufacturing simplicity.
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-spherical dimples enhance directional airflow and dimple arrangement, offering improved aerodynamic performance and aesthetic appeal while maintaining cost-effectiveness within existing manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
dimples improve the aerodynamic characteristics of a golf ball, and therefore, golf ball manufacturers continue to search for unique dimple patterns, shapes, volumes, and cross-sections which can maximize the aerodynamic performance of a golf ball
Data Source
AI summary
Golf ball having a generally spherical surface and comprising a plurality of dimples separated by a land area formed on the ball surface, wherein the plurality of dimples includes at least one non-spherical dimple having a non-axially symmetric plan shape and a defined point of maximum dimple depth, wherein: (i) each dimple cross-section of the non-spherical dimple consists of two arcs, each arc extending from the defined point of maximum dimple depth to a point at the land area of the golf ball; and (ii) every point on the perimeter of the non-spherical dimple is located at a radial angle, θ, about a unit circle, where 0≤θ≤2π, and the edge angle value of the non-spherical dimple at any given point on the perimeter is defined by the solution of an edge angle function f(θ), wherein f(θ) is a non-periodic, continuous, differentiable function.