Smart Golf Ball Customization System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A synergistic system integrating AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials to revolutionize golf ball customization, manufacturing, and tracking, leveraging overlap markings for unique visual effects and performance enhancements.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method for printing overlap markings on golf balls, but it lacked the ability to customize, optimize, and track production efficiently. This new inventive concept addresses these limitations by combining overlap markings with cutting-edge technologies to create a more powerful system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The system comprises a golf ball having overlap markings, an AI-powered design module for generating personalized design patterns, and a 3D printing module for applying the design patterns onto the golf ball. Additionally, IoT sensors monitor pad printing processes, and a blockchain network records production data, verifying the authenticity of the golf balls. The system also incorporates a new, high-rebound material for the golf ball core and an AI-powered analytics module for tracking performance. The overlap markings are integrated with the design patterns to produce a unique visual effect, and the system can create personalized golf ball designs tailored to specific golfers' preferences.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a synergistic combination of distinct technologies, which, when integrated with overlap markings, create a novel system that is more than the sum of its parts. The inventive step lies in the unexpected integration of these technologies to achieve a customized, optimized, and trackable golf ball production process.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include using different AI-powered design modules, varying the type of 3D printing technology, or incorporating additional IoT sensors to monitor other aspects of the manufacturing process. Variations could also involve applying the system to other types of sports equipment or products.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The Smart Golf Ball Customization System has significant commercial potential in the golf industry, with potential applications in professional and amateur golf tournaments, golf courses, and sports equipment manufacturers. The system's ability to provide customized, high-performance golf balls could disrupt the market and create new revenue streams.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B45/02 |
| A | A63 | A63B37/0022 |
| B | B41 | B41M1/40 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Sports equipment manufacturing, specifically golf ball design and printing technologies, involving precision manufacturing techniques, surface marking methods, and advanced customization processes
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in sports equipment manufacturing, pad printing technologies, surface decoration techniques, and familiarity with emerging manufacturing technologies like AI-assisted design and IoT process monitoring
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that integrating advanced digital technologies with existing golf ball marking techniques represents a predictable extension of known manufacturing improvement strategies. The source patent's foundational teachings about overlap markings provide a clear technical framework for implementing more sophisticated customization and tracking approaches. The proposed variations leverage standard engineering design principles of incremental technological integration.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,847 |
|---|---|
| Title | Golf ball having overlap markings |
| Assignee(s) | Acushnet Company |