Polyurethane-Polyurea Hybrid Golf Ball Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball compositions, such as balata and ionomer resins, lack durability and spin performance, while polyurethane and polyurea-based balls struggle to achieve optimal initial velocity without compromising other desirable properties like durability and feel.
Innovation Solution
The development of curable polyurethane, polyurea, and polyurethane/polyurea hybrid compositions, specifically using a prepolymer reaction product of polyisocyanate, a polyol, and a combination of fast and slow-reacting curing agents like 4,4′-methylenebisaniline and dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine, to form layers in golf balls that enhance initial velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If balata covered balls are used to achieve higher spin rates and better feel, then spin performance and feel are improved, but durability deteriorates because balata covered balls are easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polyurethane and polyurea in a hybrid cover composition. This composite approach allows the cover to achieve both the spin performance and feel of soft materials like balata while incorporating the durability and cut resistance of tougher polymeric materials, thus resolving the contradiction between spin/feel and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the cover material by using specific polyol components with controlled molecular weights and functionalities, along with carefully selected curing agents. This allows optimization of the cover's mechanical properties to achieve both softness for spin/feel and strength for durability simultaneously
2Strength
If polyurethane and polyurea-based compositions are used to improve durability, then durability is improved, but initial velocity and coefficient of restitution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight, functionality, and chemical structure parameters of the polyol and curing agent components to achieve the right balance between durability and elasticity. By carefully controlling these parameters, the cover maintains high coefficient of restitution for improved initial velocity while preserving the durability benefits of polyurethane/polyurea materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different functional zones within the cover by using a multi-component system where different components contribute different properties. The composition is designed to provide both the toughness needed for durability and the elastic recovery needed for high initial velocity, with each component serving a specific local function in the overall material structure
3Strength
If ionomer resins are used to replace balata for higher durability, then durability is improved, but spin rates and feel deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by blending polyurethane and polyurea components in specific ratios and combinations. This composite structure allows the cover to achieve the durability of ionomer resins while maintaining the softness and spin characteristics associated with balata, thus resolving the trade-off between durability and spin/feel 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
These compositions improve the initial velocity of golf balls by optimizing the coefficient of restitution, thereby increasing distance and durability while maintaining spin and feel performance.
Implementation Method 1
a prepolymer comprising the reaction product of: i. a polyisocyanate; and ii. a component selected from the group comprising a first polyol, a first polyamine having a molecular weight of greater than about 900 g/mol or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 2
b. a first curing agent which is an optionally substituted 4,4'-methylenebisaniline; and c. at least one second curing agent wherein said second curing agent has a cure rate that is slower than the cure rate of said first curing agent
Data Source
AI summary
Curable polyurethane, polyurea and polyurethane/polyurea compositions that are particularly useful as the outer layer and/or at least one inner layer of golf balls, cured compositions, golf balls comprising the cured composition, and methods of increasing the initial velocity of a golf ball using the curable polyurethane, polyurea and polyurethane/poly urea compositions are disclosed.