Thermoplastic Polyurethane Golf Ball Cover Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional golf ball covers, such as balata and ionomeric resins, face challenges in balancing durability and playability, with balata covers being prone to damage and ionomeric resins lacking the softness required for spin and feel, while thermoplastic polyurethane covers struggle with scuff resistance and processing difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The method involves combining polyahl crosslinkers with the isocyanate dipping process for thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball covers, enhancing durability and processability by reacting polyahl with isocyanate groups, and forming a multi-layer cover structure with a hard inner layer and softer outer layer to achieve improved scuff resistance and playability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If balata covers are used, then playability and soft feel are improved, but durability and resistance to damage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining thermoplastic polyurethane base resin with polyahl crosslinkers and isocyanate groups to create a multi-phase cover material that integrates the softness of balata with the durability of synthetic materials. The crosslinked polyurethane structure provides both playability characteristics and enhanced resistance to cutting and abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of thermoplastic polyurethane through crosslinking reactions. By introducing polyahl crosslinkers and isocyanate groups, the material transitions from a linear polymer structure to a crosslinked network, fundamentally changing its mechanical properties to achieve both softness and durability.
2Reliability
If ionomeric resins are used, then durability and toughness are improved, but softness and spin capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the crosslinking density and molecular weight of the thermoplastic polyurethane. By adjusting these parameters, the material achieves an optimal balance between hardness for durability and softness for spin capability, overcoming the limitations of ionomeric resins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by integrating multiple functional components within the thermoplastic polyurethane system, including crosslinkers for durability and carefully selected base resins for softness, creating a multi-functional cover material that outperforms single-material ionomeric constructions.
3Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic polyurethane covers are used, then processability is improved, but scuff resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating polyahl crosslinkers and isocyanate groups into the thermoplastic polyurethane during the molding process. This pre-establishment of crosslinking capability allows the material to be processed like conventional thermoplastics while subsequently developing enhanced scuff resistance through controlled crosslinking reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the thermal and chemical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane through crosslinking. The material maintains thermoplastic processability at manufacturing temperatures while developing thermoset-like scuff resistance after crosslinking, effectively decoupling processing requirements from service 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
This approach results in a golf ball with enhanced durability, scuff resistance, and playability characteristics, maintaining or improving distance and spin performance, while providing a balata-like feel and resilience.
Implementation Method 1
reacting polyahl with isocyanate groups
Implementation Method 2
isocyanate dipping process
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a golf ball is disclosed herein. The method includes injecting a cover mixture into a mold to form a cover mixture comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane resin and a polyahl, subjecting the golf ball to a polyisocyanated solution to create a golf ball with a polyisocyanated cover, and heating the golf ball or polyisocyanated cover to remove a solvent component of the polyisocyanated solution and promote the reaction of the polyisocyanate with the cover mixture and polyahl.