Elastomeric Wiper Convex Surface for Turf Striping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turf striping systems are prone to damage and inefficiency due to heavy or rigid rollers that can strike obstacles and snag on materials, and they often require large, cumbersome designs to achieve the desired aesthetic effects.

Innovation Solution

A turf striping apparatus featuring a wiper with a convex turf contact surface and a fastening structure that allows for adjustable stiffness, enabling a non-pivotable or pivotable connection to a working implement, which reduces the risk of damage and improves maneuverability by using a flexible material and slits for enhanced contact with the ground.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If heavy or rigid rollers are used to ensure sufficient downward force for striping, then the striping effect is improved, but the risk of striking obstacles and damaging turf or roller increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedownward forceVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a flexible wiper made of elastomeric material instead of rigid rollers. The wiper can bend and conform to terrain variations, maintaining contact force while avoiding impact damage from obstacles like curbs. The flexibility allows the wiper to absorb shocks rather than transmitting them to the turf or structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the striping component from rigid to flexible. The wiper is made of elastomeric material with specific durometer ranges (e.g., 40-80 Shore A) to optimize the balance between maintaining sufficient downward pressure for effective striping and being soft enough to avoid damage when encountering obstacles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If full-width rollers are used to achieve comprehensive striping coverage, then the striping coverage is improved, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestriping coverageVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the striping function into multiple separate wipers rather than using a single full-width roller. Each wiper can be independently mounted and adjusted, allowing comprehensive coverage while reducing the complexity of any single component. The segmented approach also allows for easier installation, maintenance, and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigidly affixed rollers are used to ensure stable striping application, then the striping consistency is improved, but the ability to navigate obstacles and uneven terrain deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestriping consistencyVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static, rigid roller mounting to dynamic, flexible wiper attachment. The wipers are secured with fastening structures that allow them to flex and adapt to terrain variations while maintaining consistent striping application. This dynamic approach enables the system to navigate obstacles and uneven surfaces effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If current striping mechanisms are used, then the striping function is achieved, but the risk of catching or snagging on material or components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestriping functionVSAvoidsnagging risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible elastomeric wiper material prevents snagging by conforming to obstacles rather than rigidly impacting them. The smooth, flexible surface of the wiper allows it to glide over terrain variations and materials without catching, eliminating the snagging problems associated with rigid roller edges and protrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 apparatus effectively bends grass blades to create striped patterns while minimizing damage to the turf and reducing the risk of snagging, offering a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing solution for turf maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The wiper defines an elongate loop about a central opening. The loop defines a convex turf contact surface on the distal end having a radius of curvature of at least 0.5 inches.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12185664B2Turf striping apparatus for use with lawn vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 EXMARK MFG CO INC

AI summary

A turf striping apparatus is disclosed. A wiper has a proximal end and a distal end. The wiper defines an elongate loop about a central opening. The elongate loop defines a convex turf contact surface on the distal end having a radius of curvature of at least 0.5 inches. The wiper has a fastening structure towards the proximal end of the wiper configured to be fastened to a working implement.