Self-Leveling Turf Probe Assembly for Consistent Infill Depth Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring particulate depth in synthetic turf are laborious, time-consuming, and yield inconsistent results, while traditional grading equipment can damage the turf.
Innovation Solution
A mobile turf instrument apparatus with a self-leveling probe assembly and sensor system that measures the vertical distance between the upper and lower boundaries of the turf infill profile, allowing for automated and efficient particulate depth measurement and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hand probe is used to measure particulate depth in synthetic turf, then measurement can be performed, but the task becomes difficult, time-consuming, and laborious with inconsistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical probing with an automated mechanical measurement system that uses a rotating arm with probes to automatically measure particulate depth across the turf surface, eliminating manual labor and improving consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is self-operating, automatically moving across the turf surface and taking measurements without requiring continuous human intervention or manual probe insertion at each location
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional grading equipment is used to establish a uniform surface, then surface uniformity can be achieved, but turf damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical grading equipment with a measurement-based system that uses sensors and data processing to identify and correct surface irregularities without aggressive mechanical intervention that damages turf
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement and mapping of the turf surface to identify areas requiring adjustment before any corrective action is taken, allowing for gentle, targeted interventions rather than broad mechanical grading
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 precise and efficient measurement of turf infill profile depth, facilitating uniform surface maintenance by automatically adjusting and applying the necessary particulate, reducing human effort and equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor reads the distance between the upper and lower boundaries of the turf infill profile at a sampled location in the turf surface
Implementation Method 2
The assembly is carried on the arm for rotation about a second substantially horizontal axis of rotation and the assembly rotates in a direction that is opposite to a direction in which the arm rotates such that the assembly is self-leveling on the arm
Data Source
AI summary
A probe assembly for measuring a synthetic turf infill profile having a probe, a turf surface contact assembly and a sensor. The probe is configured to extend down through the turf infill profile until a tip of the probe contacts a lower boundary of the turf infill profile. The surface contact assembly is vertically movable relative to the probe while the probe is being moved downwardly into the turf infill profile, wherein the surface contact assembly has a contact area with the turf surface that is large enough to retain the surface contact assembly resting atop an upper boundary of the turf infill profile when the lowermost tip of the at least one probe has contacted the lower boundary of the turf infill profile. The sensor reads the distance between the upper and lower boundaries of the turf infill profile at a sampled location in the turf surface.