Biodegradable Hybrid Turf Mat Structure for Root-Permeable Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid turf mats face challenges related to installation complexity, base permeability, and integration with natural grass, necessitating the development of alternative constructions that address these issues while minimizing environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A fully biodegradable woven mat for hybrid turf made from biodegradable materials, allowing natural grass roots to grow through the base, with a construction that ensures permeability and structural integrity, and featuring a loose structure that supports grass growth and maintains coherency under heavy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a woven mat structure is used for hybrid turf, then structural integrity and durability are improved, but base permeability and root growth capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mat employs different yarn materials with varying permeability characteristics in different regions. The base layer uses more permeable natural fibers (cotton, jute, hemp) while the cover pile uses synthetic fibers for durability. This local differentiation allows the base to provide adequate permeability for root growth while maintaining overall structural integrity through the synthetic cover layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat combines natural fibers (cotton, jute, hemp) with synthetic fibers (olefin, polyester) in a single woven structure. The natural fibers provide permeability and biodegradability for the base layer, while the synthetic fibers provide durability and structural stability for the cover layer, creating a composite material that satisfies both permeability and strength requirements.
2Reliability
If synthetic materials are used for the mat, then durability and resistance to heavy use are improved, but environmental impact and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mat uses natural, biodegradable fibers (cotton, jute, hemp) specifically in the base layer where environmental compatibility is most important, while using synthetic fibers in the cover pile where durability is most critical. This localized material selection achieves both environmental sustainability and long-term durability without requiring the entire mat to be synthetic.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining natural biodegradable fibers with synthetic durable fibers in a single mat structure, the invention creates a composite material that is both environmentally friendly (due to the natural fiber base layer) and durable (due to the synthetic cover layer), resolving the contradiction between sustainability and longevity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mat structure is made dense for stability, then turf integrity is improved, but permeability for water and air deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mat structure employs different density characteristics in different layers. The base layer uses a more open, permeable structure with natural fibers to allow water and air passage, while the cover pile layer uses a denser structure with synthetic fibers for stability and integrity. This local differentiation of structural density satisfies both permeability and stability requirements.
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 biodegradable mat provides environmental benefits by reducing waste, supports natural grass growth, and maintains turf integrity and comfort, even under heavy use, with adjustable stability and permeability for water and air.
Implementation Method 1
The use of biodegradable materials for the warp, weft, and pile yarns ensures that the mat will break down naturally over time, reducing environmental impact
Implementation Method 2
Mats for hybrid turfs must provide appropriate base parameters, including permeability for water and air
Implementation Method 3
the mat has a base through which roots of natural grass can easily grow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mat for a hybrid turf, having a base woven fabric, comprising pile burls interlaced with weft, wherein the ends of the burls form synthetic grass blades, the mat having a warp density from 54 to 72 ends/10cm, a weft density from 30 to 80 ends/10cm, and a pile height from 20 to 140 mm, wherein the total area of openings in the base fabric is from 5% to 15% of the total area of the base fabric of the mat, characterized in that the warp yarns (2) are made of biodegradable natural fibers having a linear mass from 100tex to 400tex, the weft yarns (5) are made of biodegradable natural fibers having a linear mass from 140tex to 1000tex, and the pile yarns (3, 4) are made of biodegradable natural fibers or biodegradable polymer yarns having a linear mass from 65tex to 1200tex.