Shielded Water Absorber Layers for Cooler Artificial Turf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial turfs face rapid water evaporation and temperature increase due to direct sunlight exposure, leading to frequent irrigation needs and potential degradation, with infill materials posing skin abrasion and wind erosion risks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a water absorber layer with porous, water-absorbent materials shielded by a performance layer that reduces sunlight exposure, slows evaporation, and protects against wind, while using zeolite particles for stable water storage and elastic particles for cushioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the water absorber layer is exposed to direct sunlight, then the cooling effect is enhanced through evaporation, but the evaporation rate becomes too rapid causing frequent irrigation needs and potential degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The performance layer acts as an intermediary between the sunlight and the water absorber layer. It allows beneficial visible light to pass through for photosynthesis while blocking harmful UV radiation and excess heat, thereby mediating the interaction between sunlight and water evaporation to achieve balanced cooling without excessive water loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional properties to different layers: the performance layer has UV-blocking and heat-filtering properties, while the water absorber layer has high evaporation capability. This local differentiation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other
2Loss of energy
If the water absorber layer is exposed to wind, then air exchange is increased enhancing evaporation, but the wind causes mechanical erosion and discharge of infill material
Solution Approach 1:
The performance layer functions as a protective film over the water absorber layer. It is permeable enough to allow water vapor diffusion for evaporation while being mechanically robust enough to prevent wind from directly eroding and transporting the infill material particles
3Quantity of substance
If the infill layer uses small particles for water absorption, then water storage capacity is increased, but the particles are easily stirred up and blown away by mechanical forces
Solution Approach 1:
The performance layer serves as a protective covering that traps small water-absorbing particles in place. It allows water vapor to pass through for evaporation while preventing the particles from being mechanically disturbed and discharged by wind or foot traffic
4Adaptability or versatility
If the water absorber layer is directly exposed to ambient temperature changes, then responsiveness to environmental conditions is improved, but the structural integrity is compromised due to freezing and high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The performance layer mediates the thermal interaction between the environment and the water absorber layer. It allows gradual heat transfer for environmental responsiveness while providing thermal buffering to prevent extreme temperature fluctuations that would cause freezing or overheating damage
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 extends cooling effect, reduces irrigation frequency, minimizes material loss, and enhances player safety by slowing evaporation and protecting the absorber layer from sunlight and wind, thus extending turf lifespan and maintaining functional integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a water absorber layer (106) adapted to serve as water reservoir layer and comprising porous, water-absorbent material
Implementation Method 2
the water absorber layer (106) adapted to serve as water reservoir layer and comprising porous, water-absorbent material
Implementation Method 3
a performance layer (104), the performance layer on top of the water absorber layer and shielding the water absorber layer from sunlight
Implementation Method 4
the water stored in this layer also evaporates more slowly. This in turn can mean that the cooling effect provided by the evaporation lasts longer
Implementation Method 5
a further advantage of insulating the absorber layer from large ambient temperature changes occurring above a top surface of the performance layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an artificial turf (100, 200) that provides an infill layer including a water absorber layer (106) and a performance layer (104), where the performance layer is on top of the water absorber layer and shields the water absorber layer from sunlight, and where the water absorber layer is adapted to serve as water reservoir layer and includes a porous, water-absorbent material.