Drop Spreader Attachment for Simultaneous Infill Dispensing and Turf Brushing

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method of manually spreading and incorporating infill material into synthetic turf is labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring separate steps for dispensing and brushing, which is inefficient for large-scale installations.

Innovation Solution

A particulate-incorporating attachment for a manual drop spreader, featuring a two-portion mount bracket with an integral implement holder that supports a rake/brush, allowing for simultaneous dispensing and incorporation of infill material into the turf, reducing the need for separate dispensing and brushing steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate manual dispensing and brushing steps are used, then infill material can be applied to synthetic turf, but labor time and installation duration increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfill installation speedVSAvoidtime required for separate dispensing and brushing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drop spreader (for dispensing infill) and the rake/brush (for incorporating infill) into a single integrated attachment assembly. The mount bracket securely attaches the rake/brush to the drop spreader frame, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously in one passing motion across the turf, thereby eliminating the need for separate dispensing and brushing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated attachment assembly serves multiple functions: the drop spreader component dispenses infill material while the attached rake/brush component simultaneously incorporates the infill into the turf spaces. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform what previously required two separate tools and operations, significantly improving installation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate manual dispensing and brushing steps are used, then infill material can be applied to synthetic turf, but labor intensity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of infill installationVSAvoidnumber of separate tools and steps required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drop spreader (for dispensing infill) and the rake/brush (for incorporating infill) into a single integrated attachment assembly. The mount bracket securely attaches the rake/brush to the drop spreader frame, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously in one passing motion across the turf, thereby eliminating the need for separate dispensing and brushing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated attachment assembly serves multiple functions: the drop spreader component dispenses infill material while the attached rake/brush component simultaneously incorporates the infill into the turf spaces. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform what previously required two separate tools and operations, significantly improving installation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10252288B2Particulate-incorporating attachment for a drop spreader

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 WADKINS JOE DENNIS

AI summary

A particulate-incorporating attachment for a drop spreader is provided that includes a two-portion mount bracket, an implement holder, and a rake/brush. The bracket portions are connected to form a mount bracket over the rest brace of the drop spreader. The mount bracket mounts or carries the implement holder, which supports the rake/brush in a suitable position to assist in the incorporation of infill material into the space between the grass tufts of synthetic turf or to assist in the incorporation of other dropped particulates into synthetic or natural turf or onto the ground.