Modular Pitching Mound Form with Adjustable Rubber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for constructing pitching mounds on synthetic turf fields lack precision, durability, and ease of installation, often requiring handmade forms or stone compaction, which can lead to uneven surfaces and maintenance issues.

Innovation Solution

A method involving prefabricated frame sections that are assembled to form a pitching mound, filled with concrete, and overlaid with synthetic turf, incorporating features like adjustable pitcher's rubber frames and drainage tubes for stability and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If handmade wooden forms are used to construct pitching mounds, then flexibility in shaping is improved, but manufacturing precision and surface uniformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in shapingVSAvoidsurface uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The form is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled together. Each section has standardized dimensions and features, ensuring consistency and precision while allowing flexibility in configuring different mound sizes and shapes through combination of modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The form design incorporates universal features that can accommodate different pitching mound configurations. The modular sections can be arranged in various patterns to create different mound geometries, maintaining precision through standardized interfaces while providing adaptability for different field requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If stone is used to shape and compact the mound, then durability is improved, but ease of manufacture and surface precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidease of installation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The form is pre-fabricated with all necessary structural features, reinforcement locations, and drainage provisions before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the form is installed and filled with concrete, the process is streamlined and efficient, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining durability through pre-engineered design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual stone shaping and compaction process is replaced with a form-based system that uses concrete pouring. The form itself provides the shaping function, eliminating the need for manual stone work while achieving superior surface precision and uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If conventional portable pitching mounds are used, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability and surface precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The form is constructed from modular sections that can be easily transported and assembled on-site. These sections connect through standardized interfaces that ensure structural integrity and stability, providing both ease of installation and reliable, precise positioning for the pitcher's rubber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The form acts as an intermediary structure between the base preparation and the final pitching surface. It provides a stable, precise framework that guides concrete placement and ensures accurate positioning, bridging the gap between simple installation and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If a single large form is used for the pitching mound, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of manufacture and transport deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidease of transport

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The form is divided into multiple smaller modular sections that maintain structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms. These sections are designed to be strong enough individually while being small enough for easy transport and handling, then assemble into a complete pitching mound form with overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20220193514A1Forms and methods for constructing a pitching mound for use on a synthetic turf field

Publication Date: 2022.06.23 SPORTSFIELD INTELLECTUAL LLC

AI summary

A pitching mound form for constructing a pitching mound for playing baseball and softball includes, for example, a plurality of prefabricated frame sections. Each of the plurality of prefabricated frame sections defines a hollow frame having an open upper surface and an open lower surface. One of the plurality of prefabricated frame sections includes a pitcher's rubber frame for receiving the pitcher's rubber. Disclosed are pitching mound forms for forming baseball pitching mounds, single and multiple baseball bullpen pitching mounds, and softball pitching mounds.