Artificial Surface Divider for Turf Edge Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artificial turf installations lack a durable and aesthetically pleasing edge solution, leading to turf unraveling and base erosion due to exposed edges, as current methods like flexible bender boards and L-shaped paver restraints are either labor-intensive or unsightly.
Innovation Solution
An artificial surface divider with a longitudinal housing and pads forming a channel with a gap, providing a recessed cavity for the turf edge, which is manufactured through extrusion and cutting of thermoplastic material to create a durable and visually appealing edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simple landscape and garden edging devices like flexible bender boards are used, then a firm edge can be created, but the installation becomes very time consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial surface divider is divided into multiple discrete segments that can be individually installed along the turf perimeter. Each segment functions as an independent edging unit, allowing for modular installation that reduces overall installation time while maintaining the firm edge structure needed to prevent turf unraveling and base erosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial surface divider acts as an intermediary device between the turf edge and the ground. It provides a pre-formed structural solution that mediates between the need for a firm edge and the desire for efficient installation, eliminating the need to manually bend and secure flexible boards while still providing the necessary edge support.
2Ease of operation
If L-shaped paver restraints are used, then installation becomes easier, but the solution becomes less aesthetically pleasing and less durable
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial surface divider is constructed from composite materials that combine the ease of installation of simple devices with the durability and aesthetic appeal of more complex structures. The specific material composition provides both structural integrity for long-term durability and a refined appearance that surpasses traditional L-shaped paver restraints.
3Device complexity
If artificial turf is installed without a hard edge or border, then installation becomes simpler, but the turf ends become exposed and subject to pulling up and unraveling
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial surface divider extracts the edge-forming function from the main turf installation process. By providing a separate, pre-formed edging component, it allows the turf to be installed without complex edge detailing while still achieving the necessary border structure to prevent unraveling, thus separating the edging task from the primary laying process.
4Device complexity
If artificial turf is installed without a hard edge or border, then installation becomes simpler, but the base material becomes susceptible to erosion from water and wind
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial surface divider is installed in advance to create a protective barrier before the turf is fully laid. This preliminary edging structure prevents water and wind from directly accessing and eroding the base material, addressing the erosion problem before it can occur during or after the main installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial surface divider comprising a floor having a plurality of pads spaced apart from one another, the plurality of pads being mounted to a longitudinal housing having an overhang at least partially defining a longitudinal channel and a longitudinal gap that is open to the longitudinal channel, the longitudinal gap extending between an edge of the overhang and a floor of the longitudinal housing, where a longitudinal dimension of the artificial surface divider is the dominant dimension.