3D Random Loop Material Shock Absorption for Artificial Turf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial turf systems face challenges with shock absorption degradation over time, requiring constant infill maintenance and recycling difficulties, which increase costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
An artificial turf system incorporating a three-dimensional random loop material (3DRLM) shock absorption component that integrates a cushioning layer and shockpad as a single unitary component, eliminating the need for a secondary backing layer and reducing infill material requirements, while enhancing recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infill material is used for shock absorption, then player safety is improved, but maintenance requirements increase and shock absorption capability degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The 3DRLM shock absorption component is designed to maintain its shock absorption capability without requiring external infill material replenishment or redistribution. The integrated structure performs its shock absorption function autonomously over time without degradation requiring maintenance intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the shock absorption medium from loose granular infill to a structured 3D random loop material with controlled density gradients. The apparent density varies from 0.02-0.08 g/cc in the cushioning layer to 0.01-0.04 g/cc in the shockpad, creating optimized shock absorption characteristics that maintain performance without maintenance.
2Reliability
If crumb rubber and sand infill granules are used, then shock absorption is improved, but recyclability deteriorates and disposal costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses polyolefin-based 3D random loop material throughout the shock absorption component that can be recycled with the polyolefin primary backing layer. This homogeneous material composition eliminates the complexity of separating different materials (crumb rubber, sand, polyurethane) that makes incumbent systems difficult to recycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorption component is constructed as a composite of 3D random loop material with varying apparent densities forming an integrated cushioning layer and shockpad. This composite structure uses compatible polyolefin materials that can be processed together through recycling, unlike the heterogeneous mixture of crumb rubber, sand, and polyurethane in traditional systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a secondary backing layer is used to anchor tufts, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases and recyclability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the secondary backing layer entirely from the artificial turf system. The 3DRLM shock absorption component serves as the sole backing structure, eliminating the need for a separate polyurethane or styrene-butadiene-latex secondary backing coating that adds complexity and hinders recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D random loop material performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides shock absorption, anchors the artificial turf yarns, and serves as the backing structure. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate secondary backing layers while maintaining structural stability.
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an artificial turf system. In an embodiment, the artificial turf system includes a primary backing layer and a shock absorption component. The primary backing layer has a plurality of artificial turf yarns projecting upwardly from the primary backing layer. The artificial turf system also includes a shock absorption component. The shock absorption component is composed of a sheet of three-dimensional random loop material (3DRLM). The sheet of 3DRLM is in contact with the primary backing layer. The shock absorption component includes (i) a cushioning layer and (ii) a shockpad. The 3DRLM in the cushioning layer has an apparent density that is greater than the apparent density of the 3DRLM in the shockpad.