Artificial Grass Fiber With Concave Indentations To Reduce Fraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional synthetic grass fibers are prone to fraying and splitting due to stress points at bulb intersections, lack the natural appearance of grass, and can be too stiff or abrasive, failing to adequately balance durability, weatherability, and safety.
Innovation Solution
A fiber design featuring a center portion with two wing portions, where at least one surface includes adjacent concave indentations that extend along the length, providing a 'matted' appearance and redirecting forces to enhance durability and reduce stress points, made from polymers with low skin abrasion and suitable weatherability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fibers with bulbs are used to provide structural strength, then the fibers can withstand impact forces, but the fibers are prone to fraying and splitting at the bulb intersection stress points
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber is divided into distinct functional zones: a tapered portion transitioning from the bulb to the body, and a body portion with specific geometric features. This segmentation allows the tapered portion to gradually distribute stresses away from the bulb intersection, preventing stress concentration and reducing fraying while maintaining the structural strength provided by the bulb geometry.
2Strength
If fibers with convex bulbs are used to provide durability, then the fibers can withstand forces, but the convex bulbs transfer physical forces to intersection points increasing proneness to fray
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having convex bulbs that concentrate forces at intersection points, the invention uses a tapered portion that inverts the force distribution pattern. The taper gradually reduces the cross-section from the bulb outward, redirecting forces along the fiber length rather than concentrating them at intersections, thereby reducing fraying while preserving durability.
3Shape
If fibers with ridges protruding outward are used to create texture, then the fiber has a structured appearance, but the ridges increase fiber thickness making the fiber too stiff
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber body includes transverse ridges that create a textured appearance similar to natural grass blades. These ridges are positioned and dimensioned to provide the desired visual texture and structural characteristics without significantly increasing overall fiber thickness, thereby maintaining flexibility while achieving the natural grass-like appearance.
4Shape
If conventional fiber geometries are used to simulate natural grass, then the fibers provide a grass-like appearance, but they may be too abrasive causing injury to users
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber geometry parameters are specifically controlled: the body portion has a defined thickness range and includes transverse ridges that simulate natural grass texture without excessive protrusion. The tapered portion provides a smooth transition that reduces surface irregularities. These parameter adjustments maintain the natural grass appearance while reducing abrasiveness to ensure user safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A filament for use in an artificial grass field, wherein the filament has a front and a back surface and at least one of the front surface and back surface includes a plurality of adjacent concave indentations extending generally from a first end to a second end.