Artificial Turf Cleaner for Algae Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Artificial turf used for field hockey fields often experiences algae invasion due to frequent watering, leading to slippery surfaces and color changes, which conventional methods address using algae killers that release chemicals into the environment when drained.

Innovation Solution

An artificial turf cleaner that applies a detergent mixture and mechanically brushes the surface to remove algae, followed by vacuuming, reducing the need for algae killers and minimizing environmental impact by using environmentally friendly detergents and filtering the vacuumed mixture for reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If algae killers are used to control algae growth on artificial turf, then algae invasion is prevented, but chemicals are released into the environment when the turf is drained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgae control effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical algae killers with a mechanical cleaning system consisting of brushes and vacuum mechanisms that physically remove algae and contaminants from the turf surface through brushing and suction actions, eliminating chemical discharge into the environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system enables the turf to be maintained through self-contained mechanical means where the brushes and vacuum work together to automatically remove algae without requiring external chemical interventions, making the system self-sufficient and environmentally friendly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If frequent watering is applied to maintain artificial turf for field hockey, then playing conditions are improved, but algae growth is promoted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplaying surface conditionsVSAvoidalgae resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system performs preliminary mechanical removal of algae through brushing before the algae can establish significant growth, creating a clean surface that prevents subsequent algae proliferation even under frequent watering conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous cleaning action through regular brushing and vacuuming operations that maintain the turf surface in a consistently clean state, preventing algae accumulation over time despite repeated watering events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If detergent mixture is applied and mechanically brushed to remove algae, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but additional equipment complexity is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detergent application system with the mechanical brushing system into a single integrated cleaning unit, where the detergent is applied and immediately activated by the brushes in close proximity, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system is designed to perform multiple functions including detergent application, mechanical brushing, and vacuum removal within a single device structure, making each component serve multiple purposes and reducing the need for separate equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively controls algae growth without releasing chemicals into the environment, maintaining the turf's condition and reducing the need for algae killers, while also removing other contaminants like lichen and mold.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum system configured for removing the detergent mixture from the artificial turf

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3704308B1Artificial turf cleaning system and method

Publication Date: 2022.01.05 POLYTAN GMBH

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AI summary

The invention provides for a method of cleaning algae from an artificial turf (702) using an artificial turf cleaner (200, 400, 500) configured for being propelled in a motion direction (222) when cleaning the artificial turf. The method comprises: propelling (100) the artificial turf cleaner in the motion direction across the artificial turf. The artificial turf cleaner then automatically: applies (102) a detergent mixture (230) to the artificial turf using the artificial turf cleaner and during propelling the artificial turf cleaner, wherein the artificial turf is at least partially covered with the algae; mechanically (104) brushes the artificial turf and the detergent mixture to at least partially remove the algae using the artificial turf cleaner and during propelling the artificial turf cleaner; and vacuums(106) the detergent mixture from the artificial turf using the artificial turf cleaner and during propelling the artificial turf cleaner.