Thermoplastic Polyurethane Golf Ball Cover Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for treating thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball covers with isocyanates are costly and inefficient, requiring additional steps that reduce process efficiency and do not consistently enhance mechanical strength and durability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a mixture containing multi-functional amines, imines, and isocyanates to the thermoplastic polyurethane cover, followed by heat treatment and a second polyurethane coating, to improve the mechanical properties of the golf ball without the need for extensive additional processing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional isocyanate treatment methods are used to enhance mechanical strength and durability, then the cover properties are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the isocyanate treatment step with the existing polyurethane coating application process. The isocyanate is incorporated into the coating formulation itself, allowing simultaneous application of both the coating and the cross-linking agent in a single operation, thereby eliminating separate treatment steps and improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining enhanced mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The polyurethane coating is designed to serve multiple functions: providing the primary protective layer, enhancing mechanical strength, and delivering durability improvements through integrated isocyanate cross-linking. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized treatment processes, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving productivity
2Strength
If conventional isocyanate treatment methods are used to enhance mechanical strength and durability, then the cover properties are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isocyanate treatment is merged with the coating application process, eliminating the need for separate treatment operations. This consolidation reduces manufacturing steps, lowers labor and equipment costs, and simplifies the production workflow while still achieving the desired mechanical strength and durability enhancements
Solution Approach 2:
The coating system is designed to provide multiple benefits simultaneously: protection, aesthetic finish, and enhanced mechanical properties through integrated cross-linking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized treatments, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining improved cover 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 method enhances the mechanical strength, impact durability, and scuff-resistance of the golf ball covers, providing a cost-effective and efficient process for producing golf balls with improved physical and playing performance properties.
Implementation Method 1
The isocyanate compound cross-links the thermoplastic polyurethane cover material, and this improves the physical properties of the cover such as durability and scuff-resistance
Implementation Method 2
treating the balls with multi-functional amine, imine, and isocyanate compounds
Implementation Method 3
applying a first polyurethane coating comprising unreacted isocyanate groups and having an isocyanate index of at least about 115 to the outer cover layer
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. Polyurethane primer coatings and polyurethane top-coatings are applied to the thermoplastic polyurethane cover. Isocyanate-rich and polyol-rich polyurethane coatings can be applied. In one embodiment, multi-functional imine and amine compounds can be used to treat the golf ball. The resulting coating may contain polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids, copolymers, and blends thereof. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. Heat is used to cure the coatings. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls have good physical properties.