Synthetic Turf Bridge Support Water Channel Seam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining synthetic turf pieces often result in incomplete seals due to uneven tufts or blades, allowing water infiltration and weakening of seams over time, especially when subjected to UV light.
Innovation Solution
A turf joining system using a bridge support made of a material that melts and bonds to the synthetic turf, with elongated heat seals spaced laterally from the side edges to create a water channel for controlled drainage, ensuring a consistent and permanent bond.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heat welding is applied to the tufted area to join synthetic turf pieces, then the pieces are bonded together, but the uneven or inconsistent tufts cause incomplete seals that allow water intrusion and seam weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The joining process is segmented into two distinct operations: first heat welding the flat bottom surfaces to create a strong mechanical bond, then separately applying adhesive to create a complete water-tight seal. This segmentation allows each operation to optimize for its specific function without the compromise of combining them into a single step.
Solution Approach 2:
An adhesive intermediary material is introduced between the heat-welded seams to ensure complete water-tight sealing. The adhesive fills in any gaps or imperfections in the heat weld, providing a reliable barrier against water intrusion while the heat weld provides the primary structural bond.
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to join synthetic turf pieces, then a chemical bond is created, but the bond breaks down over time when subjected to ultraviolet light from the sun
Solution Approach 1:
The joining system segments the bonding functions: heat welding provides the permanent structural bond on flat surfaces that is UV-resistant, while adhesive provides temporary sealing assistance where needed. This segmentation allows the primary bond to rely on the durable heat weld rather than UV-vulnerable adhesive.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the physical state and bonding mechanism from chemical adhesion alone to a combination of thermal melting (mechanical bond) and chemical adhesion. By heating the flat bottom surfaces to melt and fuse the thermoplastic materials, a permanent bond is created that is not susceptible to UV degradation.
3Reliability
If seams are completely sealed to prevent water infiltration, then water-tightness is improved, but water channels for controlled drainage are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The joining system applies different sealing qualities to different locations: complete sealing with adhesive at the center where water-tightness is critical, and intentional openings at the edges where drainage channels are needed. This local differentiation allows both functions to coexist in the same seam structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seam structure is segmented into a sealed central region for water-tightness and open edge regions for drainage. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve complete sealing where needed and maintain drainage pathways where required, resolving the contradiction between these two functions.
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 consistent and durable seam that effectively channels water away from the ground, preventing infiltration and maintaining structural integrity over time.
Implementation Method 1
a bridge support of a material that readily melts and bonds to a bottom surface of the respective first piece and second piece of synthetic turf
Implementation Method 2
an elongated first heat seal mechanically bonding said first piece of synthetic turf to said bridge support, an elongated second heat seal mechanically bonding said second piece of synthetic turf to said bridge support
Data Source
AI summary
A turf joining system i ncluding a first piece and second piece of a synthetic turf and a bridge support. The first and second pieces have side edges which are closely adjacent each other. The bridge support heat welds to the overlying first and second pieces to form an elongated first heat weld and elongated second heat weld each proximate and spaced from the respective side edge to define a water channel therebetween. A method of sealing a plurality of synthetic turf pieces together is disclosed.