X-ray Detectable Golf Ball Polymers for Layer Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for X-ray analysis of golf balls are limited in their ability to image and measure multiple layers, as they typically involve doping only a single layer with radio-opaque fillers and are specific to certain materials and processes, failing to provide comprehensive imaging of layer thickness and concentricity.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple golf ball layers doped with different concentrations or types of radio-opaque fillers, such as barium, bismuth, tungsten, or iodine, to provide differential contrast in X-ray processes, allowing for the measurement of layer thickness, concentricity, and identification of defects in a single pass using X-ray analysis techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only a single layer is doped with radio-opaque filler, then the X-ray imaging process is simpler, but the ability to image and measure multiple layers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Each golf ball layer is doped with radio-opaque filler at different local concentrations specific to that layer's imaging needs. The cover layer, mantle layer, and core each receive tailored filler concentrations to optimize their individual visibility and measurement accuracy in the composite X-ray image.
Solution Approach 2:
The golf ball is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers, each containing radio-opaque filler embedded within the polymer matrix. This composite approach allows simultaneous imaging of multiple layers by combining the radiographic properties of filler-doped polymers in a multi-layer configuration.
2Measurement precision
If different concentrations of radio-opaque fillers are used in multiple layers, then differential contrast and layer differentiation are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into separate doping operations for each layer. Each layer is independently doped with the appropriate radio-opaque filler concentration before being assembled into the complete golf ball, allowing precise control over filler distribution without requiring complex simultaneous multi-layer processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentration of radio-opaque filler is varied as a key parameter for each layer to achieve the desired differential contrast. By adjusting the filler concentration parameter independently for each layer, optimal X-ray imaging conditions are achieved while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through systematic parameter control.
3Loss of information
If radio-opaque fillers are incorporated into multiple layers, then comprehensive imaging of layer thickness and concentricity is enabled, but the material selection and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radio-opaque filler serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides X-ray contrast for imaging, maintains structural integrity of the layers, and enables measurement of both thickness and concentricity parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate imaging systems or additional layer modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of radio-opaque filler creates a radiographic copy or representation of the internal layer structure that can be analyzed without physically sectioning or destroying the golf ball. This non-destructive copying method preserves the original object while providing comprehensive structural information.
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
Enables non-destructive identification of layer thickness, concentricity, and detection of surface defects in golf balls, providing clear differentiation between layers and enhancing the accuracy of X-ray imaging for quality control.
Implementation Method 1
Determination of layer thickness or eccentricity in golf balls via X-ray has been disclosed in prior art. This involves doping a layer with a radio-opaque filler to provide contrast with other layers.
Implementation Method 2
doping of multiple golf ball layers with the same or different concentrations of the same or different radio-opaque fillers to provide differential contrast in an X-ray process
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball with a cover layer composed of at least one polymer and a micropowder material is disclosed herein. The micropowder material comprises polybutadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, zinc diacrylate, zinc oxide, zinc stearate, peroxide initiator, a peptizer, barium sulfate, tungsten, bismuth oxide and or bismuth oxychloride, and styrene butadiene rubber.