Standing Turf Infill Tester With Weighted Compaction Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turf infill depth testers require users to bend over for measurements, have small and hard-to-read displays, and lack the ability to measure infill compaction, leading to inconsistent turf performance and potential player safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A standing turf infill depth tester with a weighted option that allows users to take measurements upright, featuring a digital display and a weighted flange to determine infill depth and compaction, using a caliper and pin flange for accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional small turf infill testers are used, then portability is maintained, but users must bend over to take measurements reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The tester transitions from a handheld portable design to a standing floor-standing design, changing the spatial dimension of operation. The user now stands upright rather than bending over, fundamentally altering the operational posture and ergonomics while maintaining measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a full-scale standing version of the conventional handheld tester, copying its measurement functionality but scaling it up to floor-standing dimensions. This allows the same measurement capabilities to be accessed in an upright position rather than requiring bent-over operation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional displays are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurements are hard to read reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical display system is replaced with an electronic digital display system. Instead of relying on physical indicators that are difficult to read, the invention uses electronic displays (LCD, LED, or e-ink) that provide clear, large-format numerical and graphical presentations of measurement data.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates backlit displays with adjustable brightness and color options (white, yellow, red, green, blue) to enhance readability in various lighting conditions. The display can change color to indicate different measurement states or alert conditions, improving visual detection of measurement results.
3Reliability
If conventional single-depth testers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but inability to measure compaction leads to inconsistent turf performance
Solution Approach 1:
The tester is designed with multiple measurement modes within a single device: unweighted depth measurement, weighted depth measurement for compaction assessment, and the ability to calculate compaction ratios. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive turf evaluation without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces variable measurement parameters by allowing users to select between weighted and unweighted measurement modes. The device can apply different weights (e.g., 20 lbs, 40 lbs, 60 lbs) to the probe during measurement, changing the measurement conditions to assess different aspects of turf infill characteristics including compaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a shaft including a first distal portion and a second distal portion opposite the first distal portion. A device may include a handle extending from the shaft proximate the first distal portion of the shaft. A device may include a digital read out display proximate the first distal portion of the shaft. A device may include a caliper disposed at the second distal portion of the shaft. A device may include a weight flange disposed at the second distal portion of the shaft and operatively connected to the caliper, wherein the weight flange is configured to move in a direction parallel to the shaft and the caliper.