Artificial Turf Forced Airflow Cooling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artificial turf systems in hot areas with high solar radiation face significant temperature increases, leading to uncomfortable and potentially hazardous playing conditions due to limited effective cooling methods, especially in regions where clean water is scarce.
Innovation Solution
An artificial turf system with an air distribution layer beneath the turf, a flow regulating layer with specific openings for air permeation, and an air supply system that distributes air uniformly across the playing area for cooling or heating, utilizing a combination of air flow and optional moisture or heating arrangements to manage temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water evaporation is used to cool the artificial turf, then the cooling effect is improved, but the requirement for clean fresh water increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary cooling medium instead of directly using water evaporation. The air distribution layer delivers cooled air through the turf structure, acting as a mediator between the cooling source and the turf, thereby reducing direct water consumption while achieving cooling效果
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pneumatic system using air distribution layers and forced air flow to cool the turf. By utilizing compressed or cooled air circulated through the turf structure, the system achieves thermal management without relying on water evaporation, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling effectiveness and water consumption
2Temperature
If air distribution layer is added for cooling, then the temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution layer serves multiple functions: it distributes cooled air, provides structural support, and facilitates uniform air flow throughout the turf. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate systems, thereby managing complexity while achieving temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cooling function with the existing turf structure by integrating the air distribution layer into the substructure. This merging of cooling infrastructure with the foundational turf layers reduces overall system complexity compared to adding a completely separate cooling system
3Temperature
If uniform air distribution is achieved, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the flow regulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by positioning multiple air distribution outlets at different locations within the turf structure. Each outlet is strategically placed to serve specific zones, ensuring uniform air distribution across the entire turf area through localized air release points rather than a single centralized system
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 effectively cools the turf layer to acceptable temperatures below 50°C under extreme solar radiation and can also heat the turf in cold conditions, providing a comfortable and safe playing surface while reducing energy consumption compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an artificial turf system with forced airflow... the temperature of the artificial turf within a playing area may be cooled or heated by forced air flow
Implementation Method 2
a flow regulating layer between the air distribution layer and the turf layer, the flow regulating layer being provided with a plurality of openings arranged to allow permeation of air through the turf layer
Implementation Method 3
The proposed system allows air to be distributed uniformly over the whole of the playing area for cooling of the turf layer... effectively cools the turf layer to acceptable temperatures below 50°C
Implementation Method 4
can also heat the turf in cold conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
An artificial turf system defining a playing area comprises an artificial turf layer with an air distribution layer located beneath the turf layer, by which air can be distributed throughout the playing area. The air distribution layer is closed at edge regions to define a periphery of the playing area and an air supply is in fluid communication with the air distribution layer to provide a flow of air. A flow regulating layer is located between the air distribution layer and the turf layer, the flow regulating layer being provided with a plurality of openings arranged to allow permeation of air through the turf layer within the playing area. The proposed system allows air to be distributed uniformly over the whole of the playing area for cooling of the turf layer.