Spring Tension Tile Interlock for Synthetic Turf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synthetic turf systems face issues such as heat exhaustion due to higher temperatures, potential health risks from rubber infill, high installation costs, and lack of versatility for different sports, necessitating a more adaptable and safer solution.
Innovation Solution
A modular synthetic turf system utilizing spring tension tiles with molded tension spring loops and tapered recesses for secure interlocking, reducing the need for rock sub-bases and allowing for customizable infill options, along with integrated heating and cooling mechanisms, and smart technologies for player tracking and surface adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber is used as infill in synthetic turf, then shock absorption is improved, but health risks increase due to potential cancer causation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes rubber infill from the synthetic turf system entirely, extracting the harmful substance while maintaining the shock absorption function through alternative means (the spring tension system and tile design). This directly resolves the contradiction by eliminating the cancer-causing rubber while preserving the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sand as a replacement infill material that can be easily replaced and is not associated with cancer risks. While sand requires more frequent replenishment compared to rubber, it eliminates the health hazards and allows for a safer, albeit less durable, infill solution.
2Reliability
If synthetic turf is installed with traditional methods, then shock absorption is provided by rubber infill, but installation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the synthetic turf system into modular interlocking tiles that can be installed without extensive sub-base preparation. Each tile is a self-contained unit with integrated spring tension mechanisms, eliminating the need for expensive rock stabilization and complex drainage systems required by traditional installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for traditional rock sub-bases and extensive ground preparation by using interlocking tiles with built-in tension systems. This extraction of unnecessary components significantly reduces installation costs while maintaining structural integrity and shock absorption.
3Reliability
If a single type of synthetic turf field is installed, then the field is optimized for one sport, but versatility for multiple sports is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the synthetic turf tiles with universal interlocking mechanisms and standardized dimensions that can accommodate multiple sports configurations. The modular system allows the same tiles to be arranged and configured for different sports (soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball) without requiring different tile types, achieving multi-sport versatility while maintaining sport-specific performance characteristics.
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 system provides a stable, versatile, and safer playing surface with reduced heat exposure, lower installation costs, and customizable features for various sports, while incorporating smart technologies for player tracking and surface optimization.
Implementation Method 1
The spring loop contacting the walls of the tapered recess to form a friction fit
Implementation Method 2
The tension caused by the interference fit causes the first and second tiles to be biased into contact in a normal configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A spring tension system for a floor tile has spring loop with a base portion and a hoop portion. The base portion has two arms extending outwardly at a first angle from a center-point which together to form the hoop portion. The spring loop is formed into a first side of a first floor tile. A tapered recess is formed into a second side of a second floor tile. The tapered recess includes an opening which forms two tapered walls which extend inwardly toward a center of the second floor tile at a second angle. The second angle is smaller than the first angle. The spring loop formed into the first side of the first floor tile is received into the tapered recess formed into the second side of the second floor tile, the spring loop contacting the walls of the tapered recess to form a friction fit.