Artificial Turf Moisture-Wicking Structure for Passive Surface Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synthetic surfaces, such as artificial turf, become excessively hot under sunlight, leading to discomfort and safety issues due to high temperatures, and existing cooling methods like sprinkler systems are inefficient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A self-cooling artificial turf system with an elastic sub-layer comprising interlocking shock pads and hydrophilic synthetic fibers that wick moisture from a moisture accumulation region, combined with hydrophilic infill materials, to passively and actively cool the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If synthetic surface materials are used to replace natural grass, then maintenance costs are reduced, but the surface temperature increases excessively under sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor through evaporation. The hydrophilic synthetic fibers wick moisture to the surface where it evaporates, absorbing heat in the process. This phase change mechanism actively cools the synthetic surface, resolving the temperature increase problem while maintaining the low maintenance advantage of synthetic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the synthetic surface by introducing moisture retention and evaporation capabilities. The hydrophilic fibers and infill materials modify the surface's interaction with water, enabling it to absorb, retain, and evaporate moisture systematically. This parameter change transforms the surface from heat-trapping to heat-dissipating through controlled evaporation.
2Temperature
If traditional sprinkler cooling systems are used, then surface temperature is reduced, but water consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service cooling system where the synthetic surface itself performs the cooling function through its integrated hydrophilic fibers and moisture accumulation regions. The system automatically wicks, retains, and evaporates moisture without requiring external sprinkler infrastructure or continuous water application. This self-regulating mechanism significantly reduces water consumption compared to traditional sprinkler systems while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the synthetic surface in advance by incorporating hydrophilic fibers and moisture retention structures during manufacturing. These pre-integrated components are positioned to optimize moisture wicking and evaporation pathways before cooling is needed. The preliminary configuration of moisture channels and hydrophilic zones enables immediate and efficient cooling action when moisture is applied, eliminating the need for continuous water application required by sprinkler systems.
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 system effectively maintains a suitable temperature by conserving water and reducing surface heat, providing continuous cooling through moisture wicking and evaporation, enhancing user comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the synthetic fibers wick moisture, such as water, from the moisture accumulation region. At least a portion of the synthetic fibers may be hydrophilic such that the synthetic fibers wick moisture
Implementation Method 2
the synthetic fibers wick moisture as it is expelled from the moisture accumulation region, thereby cooling at least the portion of the synthetic surface
Data Source
AI summary
A self-cooling artificial turf system for water retention and evaporation is described. The system includes a synthetic surface comprising an elastic sub-layer having shock absorbing pads, or shock pads, configured to interlock to one another. Individual ones of the shock pads comprise a top surface and a moisture accumulation region defined by an edge having a height taller than the top surface. Synthetic fibers are positioned above the synthetic surface that are in fluid connection with the at least one moisture accumulation region such that the synthetic fibers are able to wick moisture from the at least one moisture accumulation region when the moisture is present. At least a portion of the synthetic fibers are hydrophilic such that the synthetic fibers wick the moisture as it is expelled from the at least one moisture accumulation region, thereby cooling at least the portion of the synthetic surface.