Adjustable Water Storage Floor Mat for Equestrian Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor mat arrangements for equestrian areas face challenges in maintaining optimal humidity levels, as the water storage capacity is often fixed and not adaptable to varying meteorological conditions, and they fail to provide both stability and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A floor mat arrangement featuring interconnected grid elements made of compacted granulated rubber with hexagonal through-going holes and adjustable water storage cups, where the number of cups can be varied based on local weather conditions, and a cover layer of sand or sand-soil mixture to maintain optimal humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed water storage capacity is provided in the mat, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the adaptability to varying meteorological conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage capacity is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. Users can modify the number of water storage cups inserted into the grid elements based on local weather conditions, allowing the system to adapt between dry and rainy periods while maintaining structural simplicity through the modular cup insertion mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The water storage function is segmented into separate removable cups that can be independently inserted or removed from the grid elements. This segmentation allows flexible adjustment of total storage capacity without complicating the overall mat structure, as cups can be added or removed based on environmental needs
2Quantity of substance
If the number of water storage cups is increased, then the water storage capacity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage system is divided into identical, standardized cups that can be independently inserted into grid elements. This segmentation allows the total storage capacity to be adjusted by simply changing the number of cups used, without increasing design complexity, as all cups are interchangeable and follow the same insertion mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The water storage cups serve multiple functions: they provide water storage capacity, can be arranged in different quantities to match weather conditions, and use the same basic insertion mechanism regardless of how many are used. This universality allows flexible capacity adjustment without proportionally increasing system complexity
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
This solution provides a stable, cost-effective, and adaptable floor mat system that maintains optimal humidity and grip, suitable for diverse weather conditions, reducing the risk of mud and ensuring horse safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the grid elements comprise a plurality of through going openings... For ensuring good water drainage a separate drainage layer should be provided
Implementation Method 2
a cover layer preferably made of sand... the covering layer comprises mostly sand or a mixture of sand and soil
Implementation Method 3
the mat has containers for the storage of a predetermined volume of water... the cups can be filled with water
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Floor mat arrangement for riding places, comprising a plurality of mutually interconnected grid elements (10) and a cover layer (18) positioned on the top of the grid elements (10) in which the grid elements (10) each comprise a plurality of through going holes (13), wherein in a number of the openings (13) respective cups (14) are positioned so that the open upper side of the cups (14) face upwards to the cover layer (18), wherein the combined volume of the cups (14) determines the water storage capacity of the arrangement, and the number of the cups (14) is determined in correspondence with the water supply need of the riding place to ensure the required humidity thereof.