Indelible Marking System for Artificial Turf Mats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for marking artificial turf mats are either temporary, prone to fading, or increase manufacturing complexity, and pose safety risks due to loose objects on the surface.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using positioning and printing means, such as milling heads, laser beam transmitters, or heated clichés, to create indelible motifs on artificial turf mats, ensuring safety and durability without the need for repeated markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If pigments are applied onto artificial turf, then markings can be obtained, but the markings gradually fade and detach over time due to weather conditions and wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical pigments with mechanical/thermal marking methods. A heating element (such as a laser, heated die, or friction-based tool) is used to melt or fuse the thermoplastic turf fibers directly, creating permanent markings that are structurally integrated into the material rather than applied as a separate layer that can detach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase changes in the thermoplastic turf material. By applying localized heat, the turf fibers transition from a solid state to a softened/melted state, allowing them to be shaped or fused into permanent markings. Upon cooling, the material solidifies again, locking the marking in place permanently.
2Ease of manufacture
If canvasses or bands are incorporated into artificial turf, then markings can be provided, but safety risks arise from loose objects on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the marking function directly into the turf structure itself. Instead of incorporating separate canvasses or bands that could become loose, the markings are created by permanently modifying the turf fibers through heating, fusing them into the base material. This eliminates the separation between marking and substrate that creates safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates markings by selectively altering the physical properties of the turf fibers in the desired pattern areas. The heating process permanently changes the shape, color, or texture of the fibers to create visible markings that are structurally identical to the surrounding turf, eliminating foreign objects from the surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fibers of different tones are used during manufacture, then markings can be created, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all marking operations after the turf is manufactured as a uniform material. The heating-based marking system allows patterns to be created on-demand by selectively applying heat to specific areas, eliminating the need to pre-sort or pre-position fibers of different tones during the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fiber sorting and arrangement systems with a simpler thermal marking system. Instead of requiring different colored fibers to be precisely positioned during manufacturing, a uniform turf material can be used with markings applied through localized heating, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 permanent, safe, and easily applicable markings on artificial turf mats, reducing the risk of slipping and falling, and accommodating various mat sizes with increased user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
said printing means may vary depending on the embodiments, such as presenting a laser beam transmitter
Implementation Method 2
come fitted with a cliché that can be heated, said cliché being movable with respect to the mat in such a way that said cliché can press at least one surface of said mat
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system for marking artificial turf mats that allows for the obtaining of artificial turf mats with indelible motifs on any of the surfaces of said mats, comprising positioning means for at least one mat and printing means applicable onto at least one surface of said mat, so that said printing means are capable of producing at least one motif onto the surface of said mat.