Hybrid Grass Support Structure with Stone Wool Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid turf surfaces face challenges in transportation and installation, and the growth of natural grass fibers can be hindered by synthetic fibers, leading to maintenance issues and potential hazards due to overheating and unnatural traction.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid grass support structure incorporating a stone wool layer below a growth medium layer with synthetic grass fibers, which promotes plant growth, provides elasticity, and reduces maintenance needs, while also preventing waterlogging and enhancing root stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hybrid turf combines natural grass with synthetic fibers, then durability and maintenance resistance are improved, but the synthetic fibers hinder natural grass growth and form tight mesh that clogs the turf
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful synthetic fibers from the root zone by placing them in a separate layer above the growth medium, allowing natural grass to grow freely in the soil without fiber interference while still providing the durability benefits of synthetic elements in the upper layer
Solution Approach 2:
The turf structure is segmented into distinct layers: a root zone with natural soil for grass growth, a growth medium layer, and an upper layer with synthetic fibers. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with others
2Ease of operation
If natural turf surfaces are used, then comfort and natural appearance are improved, but they deteriorate rapidly under heavy use and poor weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges natural grass elements (seeds, roots, blades) with synthetic support structures and growth medium in a layered configuration, combining the comfort and natural appearance of real grass with the durability and maintenance resistance of synthetic components
3Productivity
If synthetic turf surfaces are used, then maintenance requirements are reduced, but they overheat in direct sun and create unnatural traction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material qualities to different layers: the upper synthetic fiber layer provides maintenance resistance, while the lower natural soil layer with organic matter provides thermal regulation and natural traction properties, allowing each layer to address specific harmful effects
4Area of stationary object
If hybrid turf is transported and installed, then coverage area is increased, but transportation and installation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The turf system is segmented into modular components (synthetic fiber layer, growth medium, natural soil) that can be separately prepared and assembled on-site, reducing transportation complexity while achieving large coverage areas through systematic installation
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 stone wool layer enhances root growth, reduces maintenance costs, and provides a stable and elastic surface for sports, minimizing the risk of injuries and maintaining the hybrid turf's integrity over time.
Implementation Method 1
Stone wool is able to absorb and store large amounts of water (relative to the weight and volume of the stone wool). The water is continuously and slowly released so that the roots of the natural grass plants are constantly provided with water.
Implementation Method 2
Stone wool tends to slowly degrade over many years of use and repeated contact with water, sunlight, and mechanical stress. Thereby, minerals are continuously released, which promotes plant growth.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hybrid grass support structure comprising a growth medium layer (102), a stone wool layer (104) positioned below the growth medium layer, and a plurality of synthetic grass fibers (106). The growth medium layer comprises a growth medium. The synthetic grass fibers are incorporated at least into the growth medium layer.