Game board stabilizing unit and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Game boards for object tossing games like cornhole tend to move when struck, causing instability and requiring frequent adjustments, especially on uneven surfaces, and can damage flooring, leading to costly and cumbersome solutions such as mats or heavy weights.
Innovation Solution
The use of securement devices like corner brackets and adhesion members, including stick gel pads, to anchor the boards to the surface, along with snap-in leveling blocks to compensate for uneven areas, ensuring stability and preventing movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If weight is increased to prevent board movement, then stability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces removable weights as intermediary elements that can be added to or removed from the board. These weights serve as a mediator between the board structure and the ground, providing stability when needed and allowing easy removal for portability. The weights are separate from the board itself, enabling independent control of stability and weight characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If rubber feet or friction-based solutions are used, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is segmented into separate components: the board structure, removable feet, and adjustable weights. This segmentation allows the feet to provide ease of operation and quick setup, while the weights independently provide the necessary stability. Each component can be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
3Ease of operation
If shock absorbing material is added, then comfort is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Shock absorbing material is introduced as an intermediary layer between the board feet and the ground surface. This mediator absorbs impact forces and provides comfort, while the separate weight system mediates the stability function, preventing the board from moving laterally. The two functions are decoupled through these intermediary elements.
4Stability of the object's composition
If mats or rugs are used to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is extracted from the ground surface (mats or rugs) and integrated directly onto the board through removable feet and weights. This extraction eliminates the need for separate ground coverings, reducing overall device complexity and setup requirements while maintaining stability.
5Stability of the object's composition
If heavy weights are added to stabilize boards, then stability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The weight system is segmented into separate, standardized components that can be manufactured independently and attached to the board. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of each component and easy assembly, compared to manufacturing a permanently integrated heavy board structure.
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 effectively keeps the game boards stable, reduces the need for heavy weights or mats, and protects flooring, allowing for efficient and cost-effective setup and play on various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
one or more adhesion members secured to the lower surface of the base, the one or more adhesion members including a lower surface that is adherable to the support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method of stabilizing a cornhole board on a support surface, comprising providing a cornhole board including an inclined board have a front, a rear, and a top with a target hole, one or more rear supports that support the rear of the inclined board at a height above the front of the board, and one or front supports that support the front of the inclined board; providing one or more stabilizing units for the one or more front supports that support the front of the inclined board and the one or more rear supports that support the rear of the inclined board, wherein the one or more one or more stabilizing units include one or more adhesion members that adhere to and stabilize the cornhole board relative to the support surface.