Underlayment Panel With Multi-Stage Deformable Cells and Drainage Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface designs for playgrounds and athletic areas are limited in their ability to effectively absorb and dissipate impact forces, leading to potential injuries from falls.
Innovation Solution
The use of impact-absorbing underlayment panels with deformable elements that compress in multiple stages, providing a load-absorbing gradient and incorporating drainage channels and projections to manage water flow and enhance impact absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ground materials or layered fabric materials are used to reduce impact force transfer, then impact force absorption is improved, but the ability to spread impact load over a large area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The underlayment panel is segmented into multiple cells arranged in rows and columns, with each cell containing deformable elements. This segmentation allows the impact load to be distributed across many individual cells, effectively spreading the impact over a large area while maintaining high impact force absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a two-dimensional grid structure of drainage channels forming cells across the panel surface, transforming the impact distribution from a one-dimensional layered approach to a two-dimensional cellular approach, significantly increasing the area over which impact loads are distributed
2Strength
If deformable elements are added to absorb impact forces, then impact absorption is improved, but water drainage capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the impact absorption function and water drainage function into a single integrated panel structure. The deformable elements are positioned within cells formed by drainage channels, allowing both functions to coexist and operate simultaneously without compromising either capability
Solution Approach 2:
The underlayment panel is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides impact absorption through deformable elements and water drainage through integrated channels, eliminating the need for separate drainage layers or components
3Productivity
If drainage channels are incorporated into the panel, then water management is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into multiple channels arranged in a grid pattern, with each channel being a simple linear feature. This segmentation allows complex water drainage across the entire panel while maintaining simplicity in each individual channel element
Solution Approach 2:
The panel incorporates a porous or cellular structure where drainage channels are integrated into the panel matrix, allowing water to move through the panel structure without requiring complex external drainage systems or additional components
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 described solution significantly improves impact force absorption and dissipation, providing enhanced safety by distributing impact loads over a larger area and maintaining effective water management.
Implementation Method 1
deformable elements that compress in a plurality of stages such that a load absorbing gradient is provided in response to an applied force
Implementation Method 2
The top side includes a plurality of drainage channels that are in fluid communication with a plurality of drain holes. The plurality of drain holes connect the top side drainage channels with a plurality of bottom side channels.
Data Source
AI summary
An impact-absorbing assembly includes a covering layer being one or more of artificial turf, rubber mats, polymer mats, short pile carpeting, particulate infill, wood chips, and ground rubber chips. Also included is a layer of underlayment panels positioned beneath the covering layer. The panels have a panel section with a plurality of drain holes formed therethrough. A top surface of the panels is configured to support the covering layer. A bottom surface of the panels has a plurality of bottom projections that cooperate to define bottom channels suitable to permit water flow across the bottom surface, the bottom channels being in fluid communication with the panel drain holes. The bottom projections define a first spring rate characteristic that is part of a first stage and a second spring rate characteristic is part of a second stage, the first stage having a smaller volume of material than the second stage.