Elastomer Athletic Track with Ribbed Cavity Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletics tracks struggle to balance softness for comfort during lateral movement with rigidity needed for optimal propulsion during running, often requiring different running directions and compromising on performance.
Innovation Solution
A sports flooring with a uniform mesh of ribbings on the supporting layer, where elongated cavities aligned with the running direction occupy at least 28% of the volume, providing enhanced softness transversely while maintaining rigidity longitudinally, facilitating efficient movement and propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-uniform mesh of ribbings is used with different types (inclined/not inclined), then the flooring can provide differentiated compliance characteristics according to running direction, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a uniform mesh of ribbings where each ribbing is positioned and oriented to provide optimal support in its specific location. The ribbings are arranged in a regular pattern with consistent spacing and orientation, allowing the flooring to provide differentiated compliance characteristics through the systematic arrangement rather than using different types of ribbings. This systematic approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining functional versatility.
2Reliability
If inclined ribbings are used to form suction-cup anchorage structures, then the flooring achieves good anchoring, but the elastic compliance and support function are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing ribbings that serve multiple functions simultaneously. The uniform mesh of ribbings provides both anchoring support and elastic compliance in a single structure. Each ribbing in the uniform mesh contributes to both the anchoring function (through its connection to the supporting layer) and the compliance function (through its elastic deformation capability), eliminating the need for separate inclined anchoring structures and maintaining full support functionality.
3Strength
If the supporting layer has a dense structure with fewer cavities, then the flooring provides higher rigidity, but the comfort during lateral movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the cavity volume percentage within the supporting layer. By controlling the cavity volume to be within a specific range (28-45% of the total volume), the flooring achieves the right balance between rigidity and comfort. The uniform mesh of ribbings surrounding these cavities provides structural integrity while the cavities themselves allow for lateral movement and comfort. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the precise value that satisfies both requirements.
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 achieves better performance results, as demonstrated by comparative tests, with improved speed and rhythm without compromising comfort, and simplifies production by using a homogeneous ribbing mesh.
Implementation Method 1
a supporting layer which is also constituted by an elastomer mass
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The flooring (1), preferentially designed to be used for laying running tracks, comprises a treading layer (2), constituted by an elastomer mass and a supporting layer (3), which is also constituted by an elastomer mass. The supporting layer (3) has, on the side opposite to the treading layer (2), an array of cavities (5) delimited by ribbings (5a) constituting a mesh of uniform ribbings. The cavities (5) are cavities having an elongated shape in the direction of running (A) on the flooring (1). The cavities occupy a volume equal to at least 28%, and preferentially at least 30%, of the volume of the supporting layer (3).