Playing Field Base Using Wire-Like Fibres and Brick Aggregate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional clay tennis courts require extensive and costly maintenance, frequent watering, and are limited in usage due to weather conditions, leading to uneven surfaces and potential injuries from hardening and mold formation.
Innovation Solution
A base for a playing field comprising a support with wire-like fibres filled with a combination of quartziferous sand and clay-free, highly-baked brick material, optionally mixed with thermoplastic material, providing a soft and durable surface that mimics natural grass, with enhanced drainage through a shock-pad for improved water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clay base is used, then optimal playing characteristics are achieved, but continuous and expensive maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an artificial base that copies the essential playing characteristics of traditional clay courts without using actual clay. It uses a composite structure with geotextile fabric, drainage layer, and surface layer that mimics the bounce, sliding, and ball behavior of clay surfaces while eliminating the maintenance requirements of real clay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from natural clay to synthetic materials with controlled properties. The surface layer uses processed materials with specific grain sizes and compositions that replicate clay's playing characteristics, while the underlying structure uses engineered layers for drainage and stability, transforming the physical and chemical parameters to eliminate maintenance needs.
2Reliability
If traditional clay base is used, then optimal playing characteristics are achieved, but substantial amounts of water are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dedicated drainage layer with geotextile fabric that actively manages water flow through the base structure. This hydraulic system allows rapid drainage of precipitation and irrigation water, preventing water accumulation and reducing the need for excessive irrigation to maintain playing conditions, thereby significantly reducing overall water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure uses porous materials including geotextile fabric and permeable surface layers that allow water to pass through easily. This porosity enables natural drainage without requiring large amounts of water for irrigation, as the structure is designed to handle water flow efficiently while maintaining optimal playing characteristics.
3Reliability
If traditional clay base is used, then optimal playing characteristics are achieved, but surface alterations occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure with multiple functional layers: geotextile fabric for separation and drainage, a drainage layer for water management, and a surface layer with controlled composition for consistent playing characteristics. This composite design prevents the degradation and hardening issues of single-material clay bases, as each layer performs its specific function and the combined structure maintains stability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is segmented into distinct functional layers that can be independently optimized and maintained. The geotextile layer separates soils, the drainage layer manages water, and the surface layer provides playing characteristics. This segmentation prevents the uniform degradation seen in traditional clay courts, as each layer can be designed for specific durability and can be replaced or repaired independently if needed.
4Reliability
If traditional clay base is used, then optimal playing characteristics are achieved, but specialized workers and substantial costs are required for upkeep
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is designed to be largely self-maintaining through its engineered drainage and stabilization systems. The geotextile fabric and drainage layer automatically manage water flow and prevent soil migration, while the stable surface layer resists degradation without requiring frequent intervention by specialized workers, significantly reducing maintenance complexity and costs.
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 solution reduces maintenance needs, water consumption by up to 60%, and minimizes surface alterations, offering a safer and longer-lasting playing surface with reduced joint stress while maintaining optimal playing characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The layer closest to the surface comprises about 3 cm of tile granules, with low clay content having a drainage function
Implementation Method 2
a base for a playing field comprises a support with wire-like fibres or formations 3 that is completely filled with filling material 4
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a base for a playing field, in particular for a tennis court and the method for preparing it.