Artificial turf for landscape and sports
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial turfs fail to effectively mimic the volume effect and density of natural grass, and lack adequate shock-absorbing properties and drainage, making them less desirable for landscape and sports applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of artificial turf with a mechanically bounded layer of fibers that decreases in density from the bottom to the top, providing structural support and shock-absorption, and featuring a velour-like surface created through needle-punching, which eliminates the need for infill materials and enhances water drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional artificial turf is made with uniform density and infill materials, then structural support is provided, but shock-absorbing properties and natural grass mimicry are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a density gradient within the fiber layer, where fiber density varies from the bottom to the top surface. This gradient structure provides different local properties: higher density at the bottom for structural support and lower density at the top for shock absorption and natural grass mimicry, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and shock-absorbing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining fibers of different densities and properties within a single layer. The fiber layer comprises a mixture of fibers with varying densities, creating a composite structure that simultaneously provides structural support and shock absorption without requiring separate infill materials, thus reducing overall complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If infill materials are used to provide cushioning and support, then structural stability is improved, but drainage capability and eco-friendliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the infill material layer entirely, replacing it with a self-supporting fiber layer that has engineered density gradient. This removal of infill materials directly improves drainage capability by eliminating the barrier to water penetration and eliminates the environmental concerns associated with rubber and sand infills, while maintaining structural stability through the gradient structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber layer serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides structural support, shock absorption, and drainage capability all in one self-contained layer. The density gradient structure enables the fibers to self-organize into a configuration that naturally provides both stability and permeability without requiring additional infill materials, making the system self-sufficient and eco-friendly.
3Volume of stationary object
If fiber density is increased to mimic natural grass volume effect, then visual realism improves, but water drainage and surface breathability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatial variation in fiber density within the layer. The density is not uniform but varies from bottom to top, with higher density regions providing volume effect and lower density regions allowing water penetration. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between visual realism and drainage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous material principles by creating a fiber layer with controlled void spaces and permeability. The density gradient structure inherently creates porosity channels that allow water to flow through while maintaining the visual volume effect. The porous structure enables simultaneous achievement of grass-like appearance and effective drainage.
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 solution provides a more natural feel and improved wear and drainage properties, allowing for efficient water drainage and reduced surface compaction, while being eco-friendly and recyclable, thus addressing the shortcomings of existing artificial turfs.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanically bounded layer of fibers provides structural support and shock-absorption
Implementation Method 2
a velour-like surface created through needle-punching
Implementation Method 3
allowing for efficient water drainage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention seeks to provide artificial turf that imitates more closely the root zone, the volume effect, and density of natural grass and that has an improved wear and drainage property. An artificial turf adapted for use in landscape and sports applications comprises a mechanically bounded layer of fibers formed as a non-woven matting made of one or more natural and/or synthetic fibers. A plurality of tufts of pile yarn is inserted through the mechanically bounded layer of fibers. A backing is applied at the backside of the mechanically bounded layer of fibers enhancing anchoring the tufts to the mechanically bounded layer of fibers.