Modular Turf Field Installation Using Precision Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for deploying modular turf sports fields often result in damage to the turf edges due to friction and misalignment during installation, as they rely on contact between adjacent edges without adequate control over tolerance gaps.

Innovation Solution

A method using remotely operated lifting and transport vehicles with positioning systems to precisely place turf modules with tolerance gaps between edges, avoiding contact and utilizing a turf edge resetting assembly to minimize damage, with the positioning system guiding the installation based on either predetermined target positions or the position of previously installed modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If turf modules are installed with contact between adjacent edges to eliminate gaps, then a continuous surface is achieved, but damage to turf edges occurs due to friction and misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous surfaceVSAvoiddamage to turf edges

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using a positioning system to detect and calculate the exact position of each turf module before installation. The system determines target positions and guiding lines in advance, allowing the lifting vehicle to approach and place modules precisely without forcing edges into contact, thereby preventing friction damage while achieving continuous surface coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through a positioning system that continuously detects the position of turf modules during installation. The system uses this real-time position information to calculate and adjust target positions and guiding lines, providing feedback control that ensures modules are placed with precise edge alignment without excessive force or friction, thus preventing damage while maintaining surface continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If turf modules are installed with tolerance gaps between edges to reduce friction, then damage to turf edges is reduced, but gaps and misalignment occur between modules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage to turf edgesVSAvoidgaps between modules

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system provides real-time feedback on module positions, enabling the system to calculate precise target positions that account for actual module locations. This feedback control allows the system to place subsequent modules with edges that align perfectly with previous modules, eliminating gaps while maintaining the gentle placement approach that prevents friction damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical force-based installation method (forcing edges into contact) with a positioning and control-based system. The lifting vehicle positions modules according to calculated target positions and guiding lines derived from positioning system data, substituting mechanical forcing with precision control, thereby achieving edge alignment without friction-induced damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual positioning methods are used for turf module installation, then installation process is simple, but positioning precision and control over tolerance gaps are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation processVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by using the positioning system to automatically detect module positions, calculate target positions and guiding lines, and guide the lifting vehicle for precise placement. This automated self-positioning capability eliminates the need for complex manual measurement and alignment procedures, achieving high positioning precision while keeping the operational process straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual positioning operations with an automated positioning system that uses detection, calculation, and control mechanisms. The system automatically determines module positions, computes optimal placement targets and guiding lines, and guides the lifting vehicle, replacing simple but imprecise manual methods with automated precision control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3475487B1Modular turf sports field and method of providing such a field

Publication Date: 2022.09.07 NUTCRACKER SOLUTIONS AS

Figure C1~C4
Figure C5~C6
Figure B7~B8

AI summary

A turf sports field with a plurality of turf modules (100) having an upper turf surface and peripheral turf edges (5). The turf modules are deployed by means of a remotely operated or autonomously operated lifting and transport vehicle (103), which is provided with a lifting arrangement. When installed, the turf modules (100) are positioned adjacent previously installed turf modules, with a tolerance gap (105) between adjacently positioned turf edges (5) of different turf modules.