Artificial Turf Backing With PCM Layers for Surface Overheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial turfs are prone to rapid overheating during sunny and warm days, and existing PCM solutions have not gained wide acceptance in the market for effective temperature control.
Innovation Solution
An artificial turf with a backing structure incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) and a heat conductive layer, using graphite, graphene, or their combination, to manage temperature by absorbing heat and transferring it to a heat sink, with multiple PCM layers and a heat conductive layer for enhanced cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If artificial turf is used during sunny and warm days, then the turf provides a playing surface for sports activities, but the turf rapidly overheats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates phase change materials (PCMs) into the artificial turf backing structure. These PCMs undergo phase transitions (melting and freezing) at specific temperatures, absorbing excess heat during the day when the turf overheats and releasing heat during cooler periods, thereby passive temperature control and preventing rapid overheating while maintaining sports usability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat conductive layer as an intermediary between the PCM-containing backing layers and the substrate. This heat conductive layer facilitates efficient heat transfer from the turf surface to the substrate (which acts as a heat sink), enabling the PCM to effectively manage temperature extremes without compromising the turf's functional performance
2Temperature
If phase change materials are added to the backing structure, then temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple PCM-containing layers into a integrated backing structure, merging the temperature control function with the structural backing. By incorporating PCMs directly into the backing layers rather than adding separate cooling systems, the design achieves effective temperature control while minimizing structural complexity and maintaining manufacturing feasibility
3Loss of energy
If a heat conductive layer is added between PCM layer and substrate, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a heat conductive layer specifically at the interface between the PCM-containing backing and the substrate, where heat transfer is most critical. This localized application of enhanced heat conduction materials optimizes thermal management efficiency at the key heat transfer zone without unnecessarily complicating the entire turf structure or requiring complex manufacturing processes across all layers
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 turf effectively prevents overheating by utilizing PCMs with staggered melting points and a heat conductive layer, providing passive temperature control and efficient heat management.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material is mixed into at least one layer of the backing structure of the artificial turf to cool the backing structure when exposed to intensive sunshine during a game
Implementation Method 2
The phase transitions are hysteresis like
Implementation Method 3
The backing structure also contains a heat conductive layer employing a heat conductive material. The heat conductive layer is disposed between the at least one PCM containing layer of the backing structure and a substrate
Implementation Method 4
The substrate may be any suitable surface including concrete, asphalt, a sand layer, a rock layer or the ground. The ground serves as a heat sink such that the phase transition is reversed for another usage cycle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an artificial turf comprising: a carrier (308); an artificial turf fiber (501) incorporated into the carrier such that a first portion of the artificial turf fiber (506) protrudes to a back side of the carrier, a second portion of the artificial turf fiber (302) protrudes to a front side of the carrier, and a third portion of the artificial turf fiber (504) is inside the carrier; and a polyurethane backing (210') formed on the back side of the carrier, characterized in that a phase material is added in the polyurethane backing (210') and/or in at least one layer formed over the carrier 308. The artificial turf may further comprise a heat conductive layer formed on the back side of the polyurethane backing, the heat conductive layer comprising graphite, graphene and or a combination thereof.