Stone Fiber Sand Composite for Equestrian Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equestrian surfaces face issues such as being too loose or hard, inadequate cushioning, excessive abrasiveness, and environmental concerns, particularly with sand-based surfaces that become unstable in moisture and prone to fungal growth.
Innovation Solution
A mixture of sand with stone fibres, which provides improved cohesivity, sustainability, and resistance to moisture absorption, maintaining surface stability and safety for horses in both wet and dry conditions without significant cost or environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sand is used as equestrian surface material, then the surface provides good drainage and is easy to install, but the surface becomes too loose or too deep and loses stability when dry or wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sand with stone fibres to create a composite surface material. The stone fibres (0.1-5 wt%) act as a binding component that holds the sand particles together, transforming the loose sand into a stable composite structure that maintains its composition whether dry or wet, while still allowing drainage.
2Ease of manufacture
If sand-based surfaces are used, then installation is simple and cost-effective, but the surfaces become excessively abrasive and cause leg injuries to horses
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating stone fibres into the sand matrix, the composite material creates a more cohesive surface structure. The fibres distribute the mechanical stress and reduce the direct contact between harsh sand particles and horse legs, thereby reducing abrasiveness while maintaining the simple sand-based installation approach.
3Stability of the object's composition
If polymeric fibres are used in sand surfaces, then cohesivity is improved, but environmental concerns arise and replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from synthetic polymeric fibres to natural stone fibres. This substitution maintains the cohesivity function (stone fibres also bind sand particles) while eliminating the environmental concerns associated with synthetic polymers and reducing replacement costs due to the durability and sustainability of stone fibres.
4Stability of the object's composition
If cellulosic materials such as coco fibres are used, then surface cohesivity is improved, but the materials deteriorate with age and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fibre material parameter from organic cellulosic materials to inorganic stone fibres. Stone fibres do not deteriorate with age like cellulosic materials, thereby dramatically extending the service life of the equestrian surface while maintaining the cohesivity function needed to bind sand particles together.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a riding surface formed of a mixture of sand with stone fibers.