Ultra-Low Compression Golf Ball Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-piece golf balls fail to achieve both ultra-low compression and high coefficient of restitution (COR) for tour-level performance.
Innovation Solution
A three-piece golf ball design comprising a core made of lanthanide and neodymium catalyzed polybutadiene with a Mooney viscosity of at least 60, a mantle layer of ionomer blend, and a cover of thermoplastic polyurethane with specific hardness and thickness ranges, resulting in a PGA compression of no greater than 75 and a COR of at least 0.780.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a golf ball uses conventional core materials and construction, then it achieves adequate compression, but it fails to achieve ultra-low compression with high COR for tour-level performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials throughout the golf ball construction: the core uses a blend of polybutadiene and zinc oxide, the mantle layer combines ionomer resin with specific polymer components, and the cover uses thermoplastic polyurethane with urea-formaldehyde crosslinking. These composite material systems enable simultaneous achievement of ultra-low compression and high COR by optimizing the interaction between different material phases and properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically optimizes multiple parameters across all layers: core compression is reduced to ultra-low levels while maintaining high COR through specific material composition ratios; mantle layer thickness and hardness are precisely controlled to transition waves effectively; cover crosslinking density and Shore A hardness are adjusted to achieve both soft feel and durability. This multi-parameter optimization enables the golf ball to achieve tour-level performance across different shot types.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is made softer to improve feel, then the ball provides softer feel for iron shots, but the durability and distance performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition concepts through the urea-formaldehyde crosslinking process in the cover, which creates a three-dimensional network structure that fundamentally changes the material's mechanical properties. This crosslinked structure provides both the softness needed for feel and the strength required for durability, as the crosslinked network prevents material deformation while maintaining surface compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is constructed as a composite system combining thermoplastic polyurethane base material with urea-formaldehyde crosslinking agents. This composite approach allows the cover to exhibit both soft elastic properties for feel and enhanced structural integrity for durability, as the crosslinked network reinforces the polyurethane matrix without significantly increasing hardness.
3Length of moving object
If the mantle layer is made thicker to improve distance, then the ball achieves longer distance off the tee, but the spin control for approach shots deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality principles by creating distinct functional zones within the mantle layer through specific material composition and thickness variations. The mantle is designed with optimized local properties that enable it to perform different functions at different locations: providing distance enhancement in the core-mantle interface region while maintaining spin control capabilities in the mantle-cover interface region.
Solution Approach 2:
The mantle layer is designed to exhibit dynamic behavior that adapts to different impact conditions. During driver impacts, the mantle's elastic properties and thickness enable energy storage and release for maximum distance. During iron shots, the same mantle structure provides appropriate deformation characteristics that generate desirable spin rates for approach shots, demonstrating dynamic adaptability to different playing situations.
4Ease of operation
If the core compression is reduced to achieve ultra-low compression, then the ball provides soft feel, but the coefficient of restitution and distance performance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The core is constructed as a composite material system combining polybutadiene rubber with zinc oxide and other additives in specific ratios. This composite formulation enables the core to achieve ultra-low compression while maintaining high coefficient of restitution, as the zinc oxide and other components reinforce the rubber matrix to prevent excessive energy loss during deformation and recovery cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple core parameters simultaneously: material composition ratios, crosslinking density, and physical dimensions. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the core achieves a unique state where ultra-low compression provides soft feel while the optimized material properties and structure maintain high COR, enabling both feel and distance 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 design achieves ultra-low compression and high COR, providing long distance off the tee with low spin and soft feel for iron shots, enhancing golf ball performance by optimizing aerodynamics and feel.
Implementation Method 1
The core has a COR of at least 0.780. The golf ball has a COR greater than or equal to the COR of the core.
Implementation Method 2
The core comprises a lanthanide catalyzed polybutadiene and neodymium catalyzed polybutadiene having a Mooney viscosity of at least 60.
Implementation Method 3
The cover is composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane material having a Shore A hardness ranging from 70 to 95
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra-low compression golf ball is disclosed herein. The core preferably has a PGA compression less than 30. The mantle layer and cover have approximately the same thickness. The cover comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane material and has a specific gravity greater than the core and mantle layer. The golf ball has a PGA compression less than 75 and a COR of at least 0.780.