Loop-Pile Shock-Absorbing Layers for Sports Surface Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shock-absorbing layers for sports surfaces, such as artificial turf, lack optimal shock absorption, energy restitution, and drainage properties, and are not suitable for all sports and surfaces, with materials wearing out quickly and causing slipperiness due to water accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A shock-absorbing layer composed of a backing cloth with elastic polymer loops, tufted in a loop-pile structure, providing improved durability, shock absorption, and drainage, using recyclable polyethylene and polypropylene materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional shock-absorbing layers are used in artificial turf installations, then shock absorption is provided, but the materials wear out quickly and cause slipperiness due to water accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidslipperiness from water accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shock-absorbing layer is constructed with a porous structure that allows water to pass through, preventing water accumulation on the surface. This eliminates the slipperiness issue while maintaining the shock absorption function, and the porous structure also reduces material wear by allowing drainage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If shock-absorbing layers are designed for optimal shock absorption, then energy restitution is improved, but the layers are not suitable for all sports and surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorption and energy restitutionVSAvoidsuitability for different sports and surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shock-absorbing layer is designed with universal characteristics that make it suitable for multiple sports applications and surface types. The modular construction and adjustable parameters allow the same basic design to be adapted for different sports requirements, enhancing versatility while maintaining optimal shock absorption and energy restitution properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 loop-pile structure enhances shock absorption, energy restitution, and drainage, extending the layer's lifespan while preventing slipperiness and wear, making it suitable for various sports and recreational surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a shock-absorbing layer comprising a backing cloth having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of loops

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the loops are arranged in rows, with a distance between the rows of loops

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4261348B1Shock-absorbing layer as well as method for its manufacturing

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 TENCATE GRASS HLDG BV

Figure 1(i)~1(iii)

AI summary

Shock-absorbing layer (1) comprising a backing cloth (2) having a top surface (3), a bottom surface (4), and a plurality of loops (6). In particular, the loops are formed from fibers substantially made of at least one elastic polymer (5), which are attached to the backing cloth according to a loop-pile principle, with the number of loops per unit of area being at least 80,000 loops per m2 and at most 160,000 loops per m2. A method for manufacturing a shock-absorbing layer is also disclosed.