Wedge-Weldable Composite Geomembrane for Single-Layer Capping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional synthetic grass capping systems require multiple distinct layers, leading to high labor, equipment, and material costs, as well as ongoing maintenance due to sand infill erosion, and necessitate separate synthetic drainage components, increasing overall costs.
Innovation Solution
A manufactured composite of synthetic turf and impermeable geomembrane, using intermittent earth anchors and overlapping seams, eliminates the need for separate layers and sand infill, providing a single-layer, impermeable, and aesthetically functional cover for job sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple distinct layers are used in conventional synthetic grass capping systems, then the system provides comprehensive functionality and protection, but the labor, equipment, and material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate layers (synthetic turf, drainage components, and impermeable geomembrane) into a single integrated manufactured composite. The composite structure merges the drainage function and impermeable barrier into one unified product that replaces what previously required separate installation of multiple distinct layers, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufactured composite performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the impermeable barrier, incorporates drainage capabilities, and serves as the synthetic turf surface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized layers for each function, reducing overall system complexity while preserving all necessary protective and functional characteristics.
2Reliability
If separate synthetic drainage components are added to conventional capping systems, then drainage functionality is improved, but material and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage components are integrated directly into the manufactured composite structure during manufacturing, rather than being installed as separate elements. This merging of drainage functionality into the composite itself eliminates the need for separate drainage component installation and reduces overall material quantity while maintaining effective drainage performance.
3Strength
If sand infill is used in conventional synthetic grass systems, then the system provides structural support and protection, but ongoing maintenance is required due to erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes sand infill from the conventional synthetic grass system by incorporating structural support directly into the manufactured composite structure. The composite itself provides the necessary structural strength and erosion resistance without requiring external sand infill, thereby eliminating ongoing maintenance related to sand erosion while preserving structural support functionality.
4Reliability
If multiple separate layers are installed in conventional systems, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple layers into a single manufactured composite, the installation process is simplified from installing multiple separate layers to installing one integrated product. This reduces installation time and labor requirements while maintaining complete coverage through the unified composite structure that incorporates all necessary functional layers.
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 solution reduces material, labor, and equipment costs, minimizes maintenance due to reduced erosion, and eliminates the need for synthetic drainage components, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective capping system.
Implementation Method 1
The geomembrane of one of the pieces of composite is heated to a point of thermoplasticity and then compressed
Implementation Method 2
The geomembrane of one of the pieces of composite is heated to a point of thermoplasticity and then compressed
Implementation Method 3
A wedge is inserted between the pieces of composite and compression is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A manufactured composite comprising synthetic turf and impermeable geomembrane is used in a single-layer capping system as the single layer to provide permanent, impermeable and functional aesthetic cover for a job site. During installation of composite pieces at a job site, an edge portion of a tufted section of a second composite piece is overlaid onto an edge untufted section of the first composite piece already laid and anchored over foundation soil to form a reinforced overlapping seam, through which the two composite pieces are physically and permanently joined together. As composite pieces are joined together, the continuity of synthetic grass and the continuity of impermeability are extended and realized over the entire site to form permanent, impermeable and functional aesthetic cover for a job site.