Portable Surface Performance Testing Apparatus for Athletic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for measuring friction and traction forces at the shoe-turf interface are inadequate, lacking portability and effectiveness in assessing the playability and suitability of various athletic surfaces, and they fail to accurately mimic human foot strikes.
Innovation Solution
A portable surface performance testing apparatus that includes a cart slidably affixed to a rail, an actuator mechanically linked to the cart, and a footform, allowing the shoe to strike the surface at various angles and forces, with sensors to measure traction, deceleration, and acceleration, and a computing system to generate graphical representations of test data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing friction and traction measurement devices are used, then measurement capability is provided, but portability and on-site testing capability are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into separate modular components: a portable testing apparatus that can be transported to various locations, and a separate data processing system. The testing apparatus includes detachable sensing elements and can be configured for different test types, enabling both portability and accurate measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A computing system serves as an intermediary between the portable testing apparatus and the final results. The apparatus collects data in the field, transmits it to the computing system for processing, and generates comprehensive reports. This intermediary approach allows the physical testing device to remain simple and portable while achieving sophisticated measurement and analysis capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If complex testing apparatus is used to accurately measure multiple surface parameters, then measurement comprehensiveness is improved, but device complexity and transportability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The testing apparatus is designed as a multi-functional system that can measure multiple surface parameters including friction, traction, deformation, and other mechanical properties using a single integrated platform. The apparatus can be configured for different test types by changing test fixtures or sensing elements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement mechanisms with electronic sensing elements and digital data processing. Sensors electronically detect surface properties and transmit data to the computing system for analysis, substituting elaborate mechanical linkages and manual measurement procedures with streamlined electronic systems that are easier to transport and operate.
3Measurement precision
If traditional friction measurement devices are used, then basic measurement is possible, but accuracy in mimicking human foot strikes and assessing playability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The testing apparatus incorporates dynamic test configurations that can simulate various human foot strike conditions including different angles, forces, and velocities. The system can adjust test parameters to match specific athletic movements and surface interactions, providing accurate playability assessment rather than static friction measurements alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables comprehensive playability assessment by measuring and analyzing multiple parameters simultaneously including friction coefficients, traction forces, deformation characteristics, impact forces, and energy absorption. This multi-parameter approach provides a complete picture of surface performance under various conditions, accurately reflecting real-world athletic interactions.
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
Enables on-site, accurate measurement of friction, traction, and deformation of athletic surfaces, providing detailed graphical representations that help assess surface playability and safety, and can be used to test different footwear and surfaces, improving athlete performance and reducing injury risks.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator mechanically linked to the cart... configured to cause the shoe to strike the surface to be tested at a desired force
Implementation Method 2
with sensors to measure traction, deceleration, and acceleration
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and systems disclosed herein are designed to be used to study various forces acting on an athletic field or an athletic surface caused by the interaction between a shoe and the turf or athletic surface during a simulated impact. Various surfaces can be tested and analyzed, including assessing deceleration, acceleration and cutting traction potential on the surfaces. The disclosed apparatuses and systems allow for the testing of a wide variety of footwear, at any desired impact angle, and at various simulated forces. Methods, systems, and computer readable media for generating graphical representations associated with surface performance test information are also disclosed herein.