Turf Testing Apparatus with Dual-Axis Shoe Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for measuring friction and traction forces at the shoe/turf interface are inadequate, failing to effectively evaluate the suitability of turf surfaces and footwear for various activities and injury prevention.
Innovation Solution
A turf testing apparatus with two actuators and a pivot mechanism allows for controlled movement of a shoe relative to a turf surface, enabling force sensors to measure forces along horizontal and vertical axes during impact and release cycles, facilitating the evaluation of shoe/turf interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple friction measurement devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and comprehensiveness of shoe/turf interaction forces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent force sensors arranged in a specific geometric configuration (e.g., triangular or tetrahedral arrangement). Each sensor measures forces in specific directions, and the individual measurements are mathematically combined to compute comprehensive friction and traction forces, achieving high measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor
Solution Approach 2:
A rigid platform or shoe interface structure serves as an intermediary between the turf surface and the force sensors. This intermediary distributes and transmits the complex multi-directional forces from the shoe/turf interaction to multiple simplified sensors, enabling accurate force measurement while keeping individual sensor components simple
2Measurement precision
If multi-directional force measurement is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force measurement system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single sensor array configuration can measure multiple force components (normal force, friction forces in multiple directions, traction forces) simultaneously. This universal measurement capability achieves comprehensive force analysis without requiring separate dedicated devices for each measurement type
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from measuring forces in a single dimension to capturing forces in three-dimensional space. By arranging sensors in a spatial configuration and applying mathematical transformations, the system extracts comprehensive force information from multi-dimensional sensor data, achieving complete force characterization without proportionally increasing physical device complexity
3Measurement precision
If controlled shoe movement relative to turf surface is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing apparatus incorporates dynamic movement capabilities that allow the shoe to move relative to the turf surface in controlled ways (e.g., sliding, rolling, or impact movements). This dynamic capability enables the system to capture forces under realistic movement conditions, improving measurement precision while the movement control mechanisms are integrated into the existing actuator systems
Data Source
AI summary
Improved apparatuses and methods for testing turf or other surfaces, in one embodiment, a turf testing apparatus includes two actuators for moving a shoe relative to a turf surface. The first actuator moves the shoe along a substantially horizontal axis and the second actuator moves the shoe along a substantially vertical axis.