System, method and apparatus for synthetic field paint and line removal with edger brushes and vacuuming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for maintaining synthetic athletic fields are inefficient in removing paint markings and debris, leading to field hardness, shadowing, and safety concerns, as they often disperse residues into the drain system rather than fully extracting them, which complicates quick sport changeovers and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic athletic field extraction apparatus equipped with a vehicle-mounted spray device for chemical removal, brushes for scrubbing, and a vacuum system to collect and remove paint and debris, creating a new surface by solubilizing and suctioning away residues, rather than dispersing them, ensuring complete removal and reducing field hardness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chemical spray and brush scrubbing are used to remove paint markings, then paint removal effectiveness is improved, but field surface disturbance and infill compaction worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful residues (paint, debris, infill compaction) from the field surface using a vacuum system. The vacuum apparatus removes the loosened paint particles and displaced infill material, preventing them from remaining on the field and causing continued disturbance or compaction issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using targeted chemical spray only on painted areas and using brushes with controlled contact pressure. The vacuum system is positioned to suction only from the treatment area, ensuring that removal actions are concentrated where needed without unnecessarily disturbing surrounding field surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If paint and debris are dispersed into the drain system, then removal from field surface is simplified, but field hardness and shadowing effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts residues (paint, debris, infill material) from the field surface using a vacuum system and removes them completely from the field area. This prevents residues from being dispersed into the drain system while eliminating the source of field hardness and shadowing effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of accumulated residues causing field hardness into a benefit by using the vacuum system to completely remove these residues. The same mechanical action that could potentially compact infill is instead used to extract and remove the compaction-causing materials, transforming a potential harm into a solution.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple passes are used to remove paint and debris thoroughly, then removal completeness is improved, but maintenance time and operational efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated apparatus: chemical spray application, brush scrubbing, and vacuum suction all occur simultaneously in one pass. This combination achieves thorough paint removal completeness while maintaining high productivity, eliminating the need for multiple separate passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by spraying chemical softener before brush contact to pre-soften the paint markings. This preliminary chemical treatment reduces the mechanical effort needed during brushing and enables more complete paint removal in a single pass, improving both completeness and efficiency.
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 enables efficient, one-pass removal of paint and debris, maintaining field safety and aesthetics by fully extracting residues, allowing for swift surface preparation for different sports and reducing long-term maintenance issues.
Implementation Method 1
a spray device for chemical removal, brushes for scrubbing, and a vacuum system to collect and remove paint and debris, creating a new surface by solubilizing and suctioning away residues
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum system to collect and remove paint and debris, creating a new surface by solubilizing and suctioning away residues
Data Source
AI summary
An athletic field removal/extraction and vacuuming device or apparatus configured to be pushed/pulled by a vehicle to remove residue paints and other particles, such as from indicia or logos, lettering and lines on a synthetic or other athletic field, particularly straight lines on the field. The apparatus comprises a frame having a coupling mechanism for mounting the apparatus to the vehicle. At least one sprayer sprays a chemical remover onto the indicia, which loosens or dissolves the paint. After brushing the line for paint removal with brushes, and with water added, the paint particles so dislodged, including any chemical remover and the dissolving indicia on the field are vacuumed up into a recovery tank for processing elsewhere. Also disclosed are methods of so cleaning a synthetic or other athletic fields and removing by vacuuming accumulated detritus.