Grass Protection Mat with Dynamic Connectors for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grass protection mats face issues with uplift and disconnection due to temperature-related expansion and contraction, leading to inefficient compensation and increased production costs, as well as a narrower grass passing space.
Innovation Solution
The mats are constructed without outer frames between adjacent units, using contraction-expansion compensatory connectors to directly connect the bodies, allowing for flexible movement and compensation of expansion and contraction, thereby preventing uplift and disconnection while simplifying the structure and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the mats are connected with outer frames in close contact, then the structural stability is improved, but the mats are likely to be excessively uplifted from the ground due to expansion compensation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The connector allows the mats to move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, enabling the system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction dynamically while maintaining stable connection in the transverse direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into two independent directional components: transverse connection (perpendicular to mat arrangement) providing rigid stability, and longitudinal connection (parallel to mat arrangement) providing flexible expansion compensation. This segmentation allows each direction to be optimized independently for its specific function.
2Strength
If the outer frames of the mats are connected rigidly, then the connection strength is improved, but the mats are likely to disconnect some portions when contracted at low temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The connector provides strong rigid connection in the transverse direction while allowing flexible movement in the longitudinal direction. This dynamic capability enables the connection to maintain strength during normal conditions while accommodating contraction without disconnection during cold weather.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connection structure have different mechanical properties: the transverse connection portion provides rigid strong connection, while the longitudinal connection portion provides flexible movement. This local differentiation of connection characteristics allows simultaneous achievement of strength and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If contraction-expansion compensatory connectors are used to connect outer frames, then the expansion compensation is improved, but the configuration becomes complicated and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: transverse connection, longitudinal connection, and expansion compensation. By merging these functions into one unified structure, the overall configuration complexity is reduced compared to using separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it connects mats in the transverse direction, allows expansion compensation in the longitudinal direction, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components, simplifying the overall system configuration.
4Stability of the object's composition
If outer frames are present between adjacent mat units, then the structural stability is improved, but the grass passing space and photosynthesis space become narrower
Solution Approach 1:
The outer frames between adjacent mat units are completely removed. The structural stability function previously provided by the outer frames is transferred to the connectors, which connect the bodies directly. This extraction of the outer frame eliminates the obstruction to grass growth while maintaining structural stability through the alternative connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary element that replaces the outer frame's structural function. Instead of using the outer frame as the connection medium, the connector serves as the new intermediary that provides structural stability while allowing direct body-to-body connection, thereby maximizing the grass passing space.
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
This solution effectively prevents mats from being uplifted or disconnected, enhances photosynthesis space, reduces manufacturing costs, and maintains a stable connection with the ground, ensuring efficient compensation of contraction and expansion while maintaining an elegant appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the mats being in close contact with each other after the construction are expanded or contracted in accordance with change in temperature
Implementation Method 2
in winter, the mat constructed on the ground is likely to be contracted
Data Source
AI summary
A grass protection mat that includes a plurality of bodies formed with grass passing spaces and one or more contraction-expansion compensatory connectors connecting a plurality of bodies. The grass protection mat and compensating compensates for contraction or expansion of the mat units.