Artificial Turf Shielded Water Absorber Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artificial turf infill materials fail to effectively manage surface temperature and humidity, leading to rapid evaporation of water, increased maintenance needs, and potential skin burns from abrasive materials.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a water absorber layer with porous, water-absorbent materials like zeolite, topped with a performance layer that shields the absorber from sunlight and wind, reducing evaporation rates and providing insulation against temperature extremes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a water absorber layer is used to store water for cooling, then the cooling effect is improved, but the water evaporates quickly under direct sunlight reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
A performance layer is introduced as an intermediary between the water absorber layer and the external environment. This performance layer acts as a mediator that shields the water absorber layer from direct sunlight and wind, reducing evaporation rates while allowing the water stored in the absorber layer to continue evaporating slowly and providing cooling effect over an extended period.
Solution Approach 2:
The performance layer functions as a protective shell or film covering the water absorber layer. This shell is permeable enough to allow slow evaporation of water vapor while blocking direct solar radiation and wind, thereby preserving the water reservoir and extending the duration of the cooling effect.
2Quantity of substance
If small particle size absorbent material is used, then water absorption capacity is improved, but dust generation increases during play or wind
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial turf structure is divided into layers with different local qualities. The water absorber layer contains fine particles optimized for water absorption, while the performance layer contains larger particles that act as a dust barrier. Each layer performs its specific function locally, allowing fine particles to absorb water effectively while coarse particles prevent dust from being stirred up during play or by wind.
Solution Approach 2:
The infill system uses a composite structure combining two types of particles with different properties. The water absorber layer uses fine porous particles for high water absorption capacity, while the performance layer uses larger particles to suppress dust. This composite approach allows both fine and coarse particles to coexist without the fine particles being blown away, as they are contained within the performance layer structure.
3Temperature
If the water absorber layer is exposed to sunlight, then evaporation provides cooling, but the water evaporates too quickly requiring frequent irrigation
Solution Approach 1:
The performance layer is pre-positioned above the water absorber layer to provide continuous protection. This preliminary protective action prevents direct sunlight and wind from reaching the water absorber layer, significantly reducing evaporation rates. As a result, the water reservoir is preserved and does not require frequent replenishment through irrigation, while still providing adequate cooling through slow evaporation.
4Ease of operation
If abrasive infill material is used for performance, then ball bounce and play characteristics are improved, but skin burns occur from abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The infill system is segmented into two functional layers. The performance layer, which directly contacts players and balls, uses larger particles that provide adequate ball bounce and play characteristics while being less abrasive to skin. The water absorber layer below contains fine particles optimized for water absorption but isolated from direct contact. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its function without causing harmful effects.
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
This configuration slows down evaporation, reduces the frequency of irrigation, minimizes dust generation, protects the skin from abrasion, and extends the cooling effect, while also reducing wear and tear on the turf, thus enhancing the durability and functionality of the artificial turf.
Implementation Method 1
a water absorber layer adapted to serve as water reservoir layer and comprising a porous, water-absorbent material
Implementation Method 2
the water absorber layer is adapted to serve as water reservoir layer and includes a porous, water-absorbent material
Implementation Method 3
zeolite to reduce the surface temperature by evaporating water
Implementation Method 4
the cooling effect provided by the evaporation lasts longer
Implementation Method 5
the performance layer is configured on top of the water absorber layer, thereby shielding the water absorber layer from sunlight
Implementation Method 6
insulating the absorber layer from large ambient temperature changes occurring above a top surface of the performance layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an artificial turf (100, 200) that provides an infill layer including a water absorber layer (106) and a performance layer (104), where the performance layer is on top of the water absorber layer and shields the water absorber layer from sunlight, and where the water absorber layer is adapted to serve as water reservoir layer and includes a porous, water-absorbent material.