Turf Striping and Infill Extraction for Subsurface Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing and replacing infilled synthetic turf are inefficient, disrupting the subsurface and requiring extensive reconstruction, and do not effectively facilitate reuse or recycling of the turf components.
Innovation Solution
A modified vehicle with attachable devices for cutting the turf into narrow strips, extracting and collecting the infill, and winding up the strips, minimizing contact with the subsurface and allowing for efficient removal and installation of new turf, with the option to process infill at a separate site for recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a bobcat with claw attachments is used to rip and tear through the seams of existing turf, then the turf can be stripped from the site, but the subsurface is disrupted and requires reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful action of direct mechanical contact with the subsurface by introducing a protective layer (such as a protective film or cushioning material) between the turf removal tools and the subsurface. This allows the turf to be removed while the subsurface remains intact or minimally disturbed, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming subsurface reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements (such as protective films, cushioning layers, or intermediate structures) that mediate between the turf removal process and the subsurface. These intermediaries absorb or distribute the mechanical stresses, preventing direct damage to the subsurface while still enabling effective turf removal.
2Productivity
If conventional turf removal methods are used, then the turf can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and costly due to subsurface reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective measures before turf removal begins, such as installing protective layers over the subsurface or pre-positioning protective structures. This preliminary action prevents subsurface disruption from occurring in the first place, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent reconstruction work and significantly reducing the overall time required for turf replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the recovery and preservation of the subsurface structure during turf removal, treating it as a valuable component to be protected and reused. By maintaining the subsurface integrity, the system avoids the cycle of destruction and reconstruction, thereby reducing time losses and improving overall productivity.
3Device complexity
If the turf is removed without infill extraction, then the removal process is simpler, but the infill material is wasted and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements systems for extracting and recovering infill material during the turf removal process. This may involve screening devices, separation mechanisms, or collection systems that capture the infill material as the turf is removed. The recovered infill can then be cleaned and reused in new turf installations, preventing material waste while maintaining reasonable process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical or chemical parameters of the infill material or the removal process to facilitate easier separation and recovery. This could involve adjusting particle size, using magnetic or electrostatic separation, or modifying the mechanical properties of the infill to enable more efficient extraction and reuse, thereby reducing material loss without significantly increasing process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A turf cutter device, an infill extractor/collector device, and a turf wind-up device are used to facilitate the cost-effective removal of an infilled synthetic turf and the subsequent installation of a new turf at the same site, with minimal subsurface disruption. An infill extractor/collector device mounted on a motorized vehicle moves a relatively narrow strip of filled artificial turf from the surface, in front of the vehicle, and directs the strip to an infill removal station. The infill removal station inverts the strip and redirects the strip back toward the front of the vehicle, after agitating the strip to extract the infill. After redirecting the strip toward the front of the vehicle, the vehicle drives over the unfilled strip. Meanwhile, the extractor/collector device moves the extracted infill rearwardly to a bag located in a trailer. The turf cutter device is used prior to infill extraction, while the turf wind up device may be used before or after infill extraction, depending on whether infill extraction takes place at the field or at a remote site, respectively.