Is Anything More Fascinating Than the Aerodynamics of a Golf Ball?
Sure, supersonic flight is pretty impressive; but come on; most of us aren’t fighter pilots. However, golf ball aerodynamics… now that is something we can all appreciate, which is why an Acushnet patent that issued this week caught my attention. The title is “
The patent goes on to explain:
The present invention is directed to a golf ball with improved dimple patterns.
Accordingly, the present invention teaches a golf ball comprising a substantially spherical outer surface and a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The dimples of the present invention may comprise a polygonal perimeter and a polygonal depression. Alternatively, the dimples may comprise a polygonal perimeter having a spherical depression. The dimples may additionally have a perimeter comprising a number of linear sides and at least one curved side. At least a portion of the bottom of the depression is convex such that it has a curvature substantially identical to the curvature of the undimpled land surface of the golf ball, and therefore has a depth along its surface that is substantially constant relative to the land surface. The convex nature of the bottom surface of the dimples forces the dimples upward, thereby enhancing the dimples’ influence on the airflow around the ball. This influence can add to the dimples’ ability to enhance the turbulent layer to increase lift and reduce drag.
The dimples of the present invention may additionally comprise a sub-depression within the dimples. In this embodiment, the sub-depression may have a convex surface having a curvature substantially identical to the curvature of the land surface such that its depth is constant in relation to the land surface. Alternatively, the dimples of the present invention may comprise a projection or convex sub-dimple therewithin. The projection may have a convex surface having a curvature substantially identical to the curvature of the land surface such that its depth is constant in relation to the land surface.
The golf ball of the present invention may further comprise first inter-dimple spacings having a constant width and second inter-sectional spacings having a constant width. Said inter-sectional spacings separate discernable groups of dimples. The width of first inter-dimple spacings is different than the width of second inter-sectional spacings.
The perimeter of the dimples of the present invention may have an irregular polygonal shape. According to this embodiment, the shape of a dimple does not dictate the shape of neighboring dimples. Alternatively, the dimples of the present invention may have an isodiametrical shape wherein the perimeter comprises an odd number of sides having arcuate vertices.
Cool, but when are we going to see one of these unconventional balls actually make it to the market? 5 years, 10 years….
David Dawsey – Keeping an Eye on Golf Ball Dimple Patterns
PS – check out THIS recent post in which I questioned whether the traditional dimple has reached the end of its useful life; click HERE to read about another interesting Acushnet golf ball dimple patent application; and click HERE for an interesting Bridgestone patent application
PPS – click HERE to read more interesting golf ball patent posts