Translucent Golf Ball Cover with Visually Enhancing Pigments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf ball manufacturers face challenges in simultaneously enhancing performance and aesthetic qualities, particularly in creating a golf ball with a non-uniform thickness layer or non-spherical core insert that is both performance-enhancing and visually appealing, without being obscured by an opaque cover.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a translucent cover layer that allows visibility of a non-uniform thickness intermediate layer and potentially a non-spherical core insert, utilizing materials and structures that incorporate visually enhancing means such as metallics, fluorescents, and edge-effect pigments to create a visually appealing and performance-enhancing product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an opaque cover is used to protect the golf ball, then durability and protection are improved, but aesthetic appeal and visual interest are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a translucent rather than opaque cover, allowing light to pass through and reveal the intermediate layer and core insert beneath. This color/transparency change enables the ball to maintain aesthetic appeal by visually displaying its internal structure while still providing protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer serves as an intermediary element between the core insert and the cover. It is designed to be visible through the translucent cover, creating a visual bridge that allows aesthetic appreciation of the internal structures while maintaining the protective outer layer.
2Reliability
If a non-uniform thickness intermediate layer is added to enhance performance, then spin rates and play characteristics are improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball is segmented into multiple functional layers: core insert, intermediate layer with non-uniform thickness, and cover. Each layer can be manufactured separately with specific properties optimized for its function, then assembled together. The intermediate layer's varying thickness is created through controlled manufacturing processes that deposit material in specific patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer exhibits local quality variations through its non-uniform thickness, with different regions having different thicknesses to optimize spin characteristics in specific areas. This allows performance enhancement in targeted regions without requiring complete redesign of the entire ball structure.
3Shape
If a translucent cover is used to reveal internal structures, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but protection and durability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is constructed as a composite structure that combines translucent materials with protective properties. The material selection balances optical transparency for aesthetic purposes with mechanical strength and durability for protection, creating a multi-functional cover layer.
4Reliability
If multiple layers are added to enhance performance characteristics, then spin and compression are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables spin rate optimization through its non-uniform thickness, and acts as a visual element when viewed through the translucent cover. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate layers for each purpose.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball comprising: a core; at least one intermediate layer encasing the core; at least one cover layer encasing the at least one intermediate layer; wherein the cover layer is translucent; and wherein at least one of the core, intermediate layer and cover comprises a visually enhancing means comprising a color effect providing pigment comprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; and (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide. The visually enhancing means highlights a contrast between two golf ball layers.