Base Projections for Synthetic Turf Infill Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bases, home plates, and pitcher's rubbers for synthetic turf lack versatility and stability, as in-ground bases are fixed and cannot be easily moved, while rubber bases are too flexible and prone to displacement during play.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an upper portion and a lower portion with downwardly-depending projections that engage with synthetic turf infill material, providing stability without the need for permanent anchors and allowing for movement if forced, made from resilient materials like styrene butadiene rubber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If in-ground bases with anchors are used, then stability is improved, but versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base design transitions from a static anchored system to a dynamic removable system. The projections are designed to be firmly engaged during play for stability, but can be easily removed when not in use, allowing the field to be used for other sports. This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction between stability during use and versatility between uses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simple rubber bases are used, then versatility is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the base design by incorporating downwardly-depending projections that extend into the infill material. This third dimension (depth) provides anchoring stability while maintaining the overall portability and versatility of a removable base system. The projections engage with the infill material below the surface, creating stability without requiring permanent installation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If projections extend deeper into infill material, then stability is improved, but ease of relocation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The projection depth is optimized to a specific parameter range (about 1/2 inch to about 1 inch) that balances stability and ease of relocation. This parameter change ensures the projections engage sufficiently with the infill material to prevent movement during play, while remaining shallow enough to allow easy removal when the field needs to be used for other sports or events.
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 solution ensures that bases, home plates, and pitcher's rubbers remain securely anchored during play while allowing for easy relocation and reduced risk of injury from sliding, offering flexibility and adaptability to different playing surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a lower portion comprising a plurality of downwardly-depending projections extending about 1⁄2 inch to about 1 inch below a bottom surface of the upper portion. The plurality of downwardly-depending projections is engageable with the synthetic turf infill material
Data Source
AI summary
A base, a home plate, and a pitcher's rubber for use on synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball includes an upper portion in the shape of the at least one of base, home plate, and a pitcher's rubber, and a lower portion comprising a plurality of downwardly-depending projections extending about ½ inch to about 1 inch below a bottom surface of the upper portion. The plurality of downwardly-depending projections is engageable with the synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball.