Artificial Turf Modifier Compound for Surface Property Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing artificial turf systems require costly and wasteful replacement to modify properties such as surface stiffness, traction, and temperature, and they often suffer from issues like puddling and electrostatic buildup, as well as environmental concerns due to non-recyclable materials.

Innovation Solution

A method of modifying the properties of artificial turf by applying a turf modifier compound over the top surface, which can alter properties such as water retention, stiffness, friction, and antimicrobial activity, without the need for disassembly or replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If artificial turf system properties are modified by replacement, then surface stiffness, elasticity, and deformation properties are improved, but cost and material waste increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturf performanceVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of existing turf components through topical treatments. The treatment composition alters surface characteristics, mechanical properties, and functional attributes of the turf without replacing materials, thus improving performance while avoiding waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment composition acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the existing turf structure and desired performance characteristics. It forms a functional layer on top of the turf components, modifying properties such as surface stiffness, water retention, and antimicrobial activity without disturbing the underlying structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If artificial turf system is replaced to change properties, then traction and surface characteristics are improved, but installation time and labor cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetractionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment composition is applied as a preliminary modification to existing turf, preparing the surface with desired characteristics before use. This preliminary action achieves traction improvements and surface characteristic modifications without requiring time-consuming disassembly and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical replacement operations with chemical treatment operations. Instead of physically removing and reinstalling turf components to change traction properties, a chemical composition is applied that modifies surface characteristics, substituting a quick chemical process for a lengthy mechanical system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If SBR granules are used in infill component, then durability is improved, but surface temperature increases excessively in hot environments

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidsurface temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment composition creates a composite structure on the turf surface, combining the durable SBR granule base with a functional treatment layer. This composite approach maintains the durability benefits of SBR while the treatment layer modifies thermal properties to reduce excessive surface temperature in hot environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment composition applies local quality changes to the turf surface, specifically modifying the thermal characteristics of the infill component without altering the bulk properties of the SBR granules. This localized modification addresses the temperature issue while preserving the durability of the underlying material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If turf modifier compound is applied to modify properties, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but complexity of application process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidapplication process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment composition provides multi-functionality by simultaneously addressing multiple turf performance issues with a single application. It modifies surface stiffness, water retention, antimicrobial activity, and other properties in one treatment process, improving maintenance efficiency without requiring multiple separate interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250163655A1Artificial turf treatment system and method

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 TARKETT SPORTS CANADA INC

AI summary

A method of modifying the properties of an artificial turf includes applying a turf modifier compound over a top surface of the artificial turf. The artificial turf includes a carpet or an infill that forms the top surface, and the turf modifier compound alters a property of the artificial turf at the carpet or the infill, including at least one of water retention, water absorption, stiffness, friction, infill splash, reflectance, mechanical resilience, ultraviolet radiation resistance, heat emission, heat retention, heat reflection, and antimicrobial activity.