Thermoplastic Polyurethane Golf Ball Cover Cross-Linking

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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 effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball cover treatment with a composition comprising acid copolymers, multi-functional isocyanates, hydroxyl-containing compounds, and silane-containing compounds to form a partially cross-linked structure, improving mechanical properties and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional isocyanate treatment methods are used to enhance golf ball cover durability, then mechanical strength and scuff-resistance are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and process efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strength and scuff-resistanceVSAvoidprocess efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components (acid copolymer, multi-functional isocyanate, hydroxyl-containing compound, and silane-containing compound) into a single integrated treatment composition that achieves cross-linking, durability enhancement, and process efficiency simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate treatment steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment composition serves multiple functions: the acid copolymer provides cross-linking sites, the multi-functional isocyanate forms cross-links with polymer chains, the hydroxyl-containing compound enhances adhesion and cross-linking, and the silane-containing compound provides additional cross-linking and durability - all in one application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If conventional isocyanate treatment methods are used to improve golf ball cover durability, then scuff-resistance is enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescuff-resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the functional groups and their ratios within the treatment composition to achieve effective cross-linking and scuff-resistance at lower material costs, while the multi-functional nature of the components reduces the total amount of treatment material needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional treatment methods are used to enhance golf ball cover mechanical properties, then durability is improved, but the treatment process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidtreatment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple treatment functions (cross-linking, adhesion enhancement, durability improvement) into a single multi-component composition that can be applied in one step, simplifying the overall treatment process while maintaining enhanced durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 golf ball covers, providing a cost-effective and efficient process that surpasses the properties of non-refined materials.

Implementation Method 1

treating a golf ball having a thermoplastic polyurethane cover with a multi-functional isocyanate, hydroxyl-containing compound, or a silane-containing compound, or a mixture thereof to form a partially cross-linked cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSilane cross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10967225B2Methods and compositions for cross-linking thermoplastic polyurethane covers for golf balls

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. In one embodiment, the outer cover layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and acid copolymer ionomer. The cover composition also can contain hydroxyl-containing compounds. The golf ball having the thermoplastic polyurethane cover can be treated with an isocyanate compound. The golf ball also can be treated with an amine and/or silane-containing compound. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls have good physical properties.