Artificial Lawn Mat with Integrated Cushioning Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial lawns lack optimal energy absorption and restitution characteristics, leading to increased player fatigue and reduced playing quality, particularly in sports applications, due to inadequate shock absorption and infill distribution.
Innovation Solution
A mat for artificial lawns comprising a cushioning layer with tufted synthetic fibers and an integrated open web structure, which reduces the need for infill material while providing enhanced shock absorption and energy restitution through a combination of resilient polymeric materials and a reinforcing layer, allowing for improved playing characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infill material is used to provide shock absorption and maintain fiber position, then playing surface characteristics are improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to additional materials and installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning layer is integrated directly into the mat structure, merging the shock absorption function with the backing layer. This eliminates the need for separate infill material while maintaining the shock absorption function, thereby reducing system complexity while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning layer provides self-contained shock absorption capability within the mat structure itself, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional infill materials. The mat structure serves its own shock absorption needs through the integrated cushioning layer
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional artificial lawn structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but energy restitution characteristics are inadequate leading to increased player fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The mat uses composite construction combining artificial fibers with a specially designed cushioning layer made of resilient materials. This composite structure enhances energy restitution characteristics while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integrated production processes
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning layer modifies the physical parameters of the mat structure, specifically enhancing energy restitution characteristics through its resilient properties. This changes the energy absorption and release parameters to reduce player fatigue while keeping the manufacturing process compatible with existing techniques
3Shape
If infill material is used to resemble natural grass, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the quantity of additional materials required increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The infill material is extracted from the system entirely, replacing it with an integrated cushioning layer that provides both aesthetic and functional benefits. This eliminates the need for additional infill materials while maintaining the appearance and feel of natural grass
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
The mat achieves force reduction, vertical deformation, and energy restitution within FIFA qualification ranges, enhancing playing quality and reducing player fatigue, with the potential to function as an anti-fatigue mat in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The cushioning layer 5 serves as a carrier or primary backing, and moreover provides shock-absorbing properties like a shock pad
Implementation Method 2
The cushioning layer 5 can be made for instance of resilient foam or of expanded structures made of polymeric material
Implementation Method 3
The mat achieves force reduction, vertical deformation, and energy restitution within FIFA qualification ranges
Data Source
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AI summary
A new mat (1, 101), for forming an artificial lawn (9), in particular an artificial grass sports field, is disclosed whereby the mat (1, 101), comprises a cushioning layer (5, 105) and artificial fibers (4, 104) tufted through this cushioning layer (5, 105). With this new mat(1, 101) construction, the artificial lawn (9) also comprising an infill material (8), has improved shock absorption characteristics.