Microporous Zeolite Infill for Artificial Turf Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Artificial turf surfaces face challenges in maintaining optimal conditions under varying weather and high temperatures, leading to issues with surface maintenance and user safety.

Innovation Solution

A method for forming an artificial turf infill using a microporous zeolite mineral selected based on specific surface area, which controls water release and absorption, maintaining a stable surface temperature and preventing rapid evaporation, thereby enhancing the performance and safety of the turf.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional infill materials are used in artificial turf, then the turf structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the surface temperature becomes uncontrolled and unsafe under high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface temperatureVSAvoidinfill material composition

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the grain size of the infill material to be between 0.5mm and 1.2mm. This specific size range optimizes the surface area-to-volume ratio, enabling effective heat absorption and temperature regulation without requiring complex material compositions or additional cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The infill material acts as an intermediary between the artificial turf fibers and the ground, providing thermal mass and heat distribution. This intermediary layer absorbs excess heat during the day and releases it gradually, preventing dangerous surface temperature buildup without requiring active cooling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If infill material with high water absorption is used, then surface temperature is regulated effectively, but the turf becomes slippery and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface temperature regulationVSAvoidslippery surface

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by ensuring the infill material has non-uniform moisture distribution characteristics. The material absorbs and releases water locally at the grain level, maintaining adequate surface friction for safety while providing temperature regulation through controlled evaporation from the interior pores rather than surface saturation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If excessive watering is applied to cool the turf surface, then temperature is reduced, but water waste increases and environmental harm occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturf surface temperatureVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The infill material provides self-service temperature regulation through its inherent porosity and water absorption capabilities. The material automatically absorbs excess water from irrigation and releases it gradually through evaporation, eliminating the need for excessive watering and preventing water waste while maintaining effective cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If infill material is not used, then the artificial turf structure is simpler, but the turf cannot maintain flatness and proper fiber positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturf flatness and fiber positioningVSAvoidinfill layer

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the grain size distribution and physical properties of the infill material. The specific grain size range of 0.5mm to 1.2mm provides ideal balance between supporting turf flatness, maintaining fiber positioning, and enabling temperature regulation, achieving multiple functions with a simple material specification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 selected microporous zeolite mineral effectively regulates surface temperature, reduces watering needs, prevents slippery surfaces, and provides a safe and environmentally friendly artificial turf solution.

Implementation Method 1

U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,905 B2 discloses a composition for an outside surface of artificial turfs in order to allow for an adsorption and/or desorption effect that optimizes the use of artificial turfs at high temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Implementation Method 3

The specific surface area of the microporous zeolite mineral controls water release and absorption, maintaining a stable surface temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal mass effect:

Implementation Method 4

maintaining a stable surface temperature and preventing rapid evaporation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation control: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11453982B2Artificial turf infill material

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 PINTAT BENOIT

AI summary

The invention provides for method for forming an artificial turf infill material. The method comprises selecting from a zeolite ore a microporous zeolite mineral using a selection criterion on specific surface area of the mineral, thereby providing the artificial turf infill material.