Equestrian Surface Modules with Wicking and Gravity Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equestrian surface systems face challenges in regulating water content and maintaining consistent structural performance, leading to potential injuries and performance issues for horses, and are not suitable for outdoor use due to limitations in water drainage and retention.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising water-permeable layers and structural modules with wicking materials and foamed polymeric materials that absorb and retain water, allowing for automatic water transport to the equestrian surface without the need for pumps, and can be installed directly on the ground without a firm sub-base, enabling efficient water management and consistent surface conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a drainage pipe is provided in the sand layer to drain excess water, then waterlogging is prevented, but the system requires sensors and pumps which increase device complexity and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The sand layer is designed to automatically drain excess water through gravity flow to a drainage pipe, eliminating the need for active pumping systems. The system self-regulates water content by allowing natural drainage when water exceeds the sand's retention capacity, thus preventing waterlogging without requiring sensors or powered pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage function is extracted from the sand layer by providing a separate drainage pipe that collects and removes excess water. This separates the water retention function (performed by the sand) from the water removal function (performed by the drainage pipe), allowing each component to optimize its specific function without requiring complex integrated systems.
2Reliability
If sensors and pumps are used to regulate water content, then water content regulation is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sand layer naturally regulates its own water content through physical absorption and gravity-driven drainage. When water content exceeds the sand's retention capacity, excess water automatically drains through the drainage pipe without requiring external power input. This passive regulation system eliminates the need for powered pumps while maintaining reliable water content control.
Solution Approach 2:
The active mechanical pumping system is replaced with a passive gravity-based drainage system. Water movement is achieved through gravitational force rather than mechanical pumping, eliminating power consumption while maintaining the ability to regulate water content through natural physical processes.
3Strength
If granular materials are mixed to provide desired structural performance, then structural performance is achieved, but consistency varies widely between different mixes
Solution Approach 1:
The sand layer is designed to provide uniform structural performance through consistent sand composition and particle size distribution. The drainage pipe is strategically positioned to ensure uniform water removal across the entire surface area, creating homogeneous conditions that prevent localized variations in structural behavior and ensure consistent performance throughout the equestrian surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional layers: a sand layer for water retention and structural support, and a separate drainage pipe system for water removal. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the sand for consistent structural properties and the drainage pipe for uniform water distribution - thereby achieving overall system consistency that would be difficult to obtain through mixed granular materials alone.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a firm supporting base is provided for the pallets, then surface evenness is maintained, but the system cannot be installed directly on earth
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage pipe is designed with flexibility to accommodate natural ground variations and settlements. Rather than requiring a rigid, perfectly level base, the system adapts to the underlying earth conditions while maintaining functional performance. The sand layer acts as a flexible intermediary that distributes loads and accommodates minor surface irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sand layer serves as an intermediary between the earth and the equestrian surface, providing a compliant base that accommodates ground variations. The drainage pipe is positioned within this intermediary layer to ensure proper function regardless of underlying earth conditions, eliminating the need for a rigid concrete or stone base while maintaining surface evenness through the sand's natural properties.
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 regulates water content, prevents waterlogging, and maintains consistent structural performance, reducing maintenance and power requirements while allowing for use in various weather conditions and outdoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
there being wicking means transferring water to the upper, equestrian surface layer from the sub-surface support layer
Implementation Method 2
foamed polymeric materials that absorb and retain water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an area suitable for equestrian use. The area comprises an upper, equestrian surface layer, and a sub-surface support layer which includes a plurality of laterally arranged load bearing structural modules. Each module comprises a top wall and a bottom wall spaced therefrom by one or more supporting elements so as to define an interior volume between the top and bottom walls, and is provided with at least one aperture to permit the flow of water into and out of the volume. There is means for retaining water within at least some modules in the sub-surface support layer. A water permeable layer that is impermeable to solid particles of the upper, equestrian surface layer is provided between the structural modules and the equestrian surface layer. Wicking means are in fluid communication with the interior volumes of at least some of the modules and have portions extending upwardly to transfer water to the upper, equestrian surface layer from the sub-surface support layer.