UHMWPE Powder in Polyurea Golf Ball Intermediate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polyurea compositions used in intermediate casing layers of golf balls exhibit poor impact-resistance, particularly when formulated to achieve hardness comparable to ionomer resin layers, leading to premature damage and wear.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) powder particulate into the polyurea composition for the intermediate layer, which improves durability and impact-resistance while maintaining desirable hardness levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polyurea composition is formulated to achieve hardness comparable to ionomer resin layers, then hardness is improved, but impact-resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polyurea resin with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) powder particulate to create an intermediate layer that achieves both desired hardness and impact-resistance. The UHMWPE particles (5-50 micrometer size) are dispersed throughout the polyurea matrix, creating a composite structure where the polyurea provides hardness while the UHMWPE particles provide toughness and impact resistance, resolving the contradiction between hardness and impact-resistance
2Ease of operation
If polyurea composition is used in intermediate layer, then softer feel and better spin control are improved, but durability and impact-resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by incorporating UHMWPE powder particulate into the polyurea composition to create an intermediate layer that maintains the soft feel and spin control characteristics of polyurea while dramatically improving durability and impact-resistance. The composite structure allows the polyurea matrix to provide the desired feel and spin properties while the dispersed UHMWPE particles enhance toughness and resistance to premature damage
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layered golf ball having an inner core, at least one intermediate layer, and outer cover is provided. The intermediate layer is made from a polyurea composition containing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene powder particulate dispersed therein. The intermediate layer provides the ball with advantageous properties including improved durability, toughness, hardness, and impact-resistance.