Thermoplastic Golf Ball Core with Plasticizer for High COR
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new compositions in golf balls that can provide high performance properties, particularly for non-conforming balls with increased carry distance and improved feel and spin control for golfers with low-swing speed, while maintaining toughness and resiliency without being excessively hard or stiff.
Innovation Solution
The development of golf balls using thermoplastic ethylene acid copolymer/plasticizer compositions with a dual core structure, where the inner core and outer core layers have a positive hardness gradient, and the use of thermoset rubber for the outer core, providing a combination of Coefficient of Restitution (COR) and compression for enhanced playing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If thermoplastic ethylene acid copolymer/plasticizer compositions are used to increase carry distance and improve feel, then Coefficient of Restitution and compression are improved, but the ball may become excessively hard or stiff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a dual-core structure where the inner core and outer core have different material compositions and properties. The inner core uses thermoplastic ethylene acid copolymer/plasticizer composition for high COR and compression, while the outer core uses thermoset rubber for toughness and resiliency. This gradient structure allows each region to have optimized local properties rather than uniform composition throughout the entire core.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining thermoplastic ethylene acid copolymer/plasticizer composition with thermoset rubber in a dual-core configuration. This composite approach allows the ball to achieve high COR and compression from the thermoplastic inner core while the thermoset outer core provides toughness and prevents excessive hardness, creating a material system that exhibits properties superior to either material alone.
2Power
If dual core structure with positive hardness gradient is implemented, then playing performance is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the core into two distinct segments: an inner core and an outer core. Each segment has its own material composition (thermoplastic ethylene acid copolymer/plasticizer for inner core, thermoset rubber for outer core) and can be manufactured separately using optimized processes, then assembled together. This segmentation allows complex performance requirements to be met while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing for each individual segment.
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls having a single or dual-layered solid core are provided. In one embodiment, the golf ball has dimensions and properties that do not conform to the rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the ball weight; ball size; ball spherical symmetry; ball initial velocity; and/or ball overall distance may fall outside of the USGA standards. The dual-layered core can have an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and surrounding outer core comprising a thermoset composition. In another embodiment, the dual-layered core has an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and outer core comprising a thermoset composition. The thermoplastic composition preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer and plasticizer. The thermoset composition preferably comprises polybutadiene rubber. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer.