Portable Pitching Mat Anchors for Turf Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing softball pitching mats are either too expensive, heavy, and unwieldy for indoor use on tile or wood floors, or they damage artificial turf surfaces and slip when used on turf, requiring frequent repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A portable pitching mat with a flexible material and integrated pitching rubber, featuring anchors on the underside to engage artificial turf surfaces, preventing slipping and damage, and designed for use on both turf and hard surfaces with removable anchors for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a pitching mat is used on artificial turf to prevent damage, then the turf is protected from divots, but the mat slips or crinkles on the turf surface
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is divided into multiple layers with different functions: a top layer for pitching surface, a middle layer for protection, and a bottom layer with anchoring elements. This segmentation allows each layer to address specific requirements - the top layers protect the turf while the bottom layer with anchors provides stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Anchors serve as intermediary elements between the mat and the artificial turf surface. These anchors penetrate through the mat's bottom layer and engage with the turf structure, creating a reliable connection that prevents slipping while the mat remains in place to protect the turf.
2Reliability
If a pitching mat is designed for gym floors with high friction, then it provides stable footing, but it slips or crinkles when used on artificial turf
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is designed with universal adaptability to work on multiple surface types including gym floors and artificial turf. The bottom layer incorporates anchors that can engage with various surface structures, allowing the same mat design to provide stable footing across different surfaces without requiring separate specialized mats.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat's bottom layer is designed with dynamic anchoring capability where the anchors can adapt to different surface conditions. The anchoring mechanism allows the mat to adjust its engagement with the surface, providing optimal stability whether on hard gym floors or softer artificial turf surfaces.
3Reliability
If a pitching mat is made heavy and unwieldy for indoor use on hard floors, then it provides stability, but it becomes difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The mat utilizes flexible material construction with thin film layers that provide sufficient stability for pitching while maintaining flexibility for easy rolling and transport. The flexible bottom layer with embedded anchors maintains stability during use but allows the mat to be conveniently rolled up for storage and transport when not in use.
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 mat allows for effective indoor pitching practice during inclement weather without damaging turf, reduces the need for frequent repositioning, and is cheaper and lighter than prior mats, providing a versatile solution for various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
there is not enough frictional engagement between the floor surface and the rubber
Implementation Method 2
the anchors on the underside of the pitching mat that engage the artificial turf surface and that prevent slipping
Implementation Method 3
the mat is made from a flexible material so that it can be rolled up between uses
Implementation Method 4
A pitcher begins a pitch standing on the pitching surface and pushes off the pitching rubber to create momentum going into the pitch
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a portable pitching mat having a first side with a first end and a second end, wherein the first side is substantially flat and has a weight attached proximal to the first end; a second side, wherein the second side engages an artificial turf substrate with a plurality of anchors; and a pitching rubber on the first side proximal to the first end. Also provided is a portable mat having a first side with a first end and a second end, wherein the first side is substantially flat; a second side, wherein the second side has a plurality of recessed regions; and a plurality of substrates, wherein each of the plurality of substrates comprises a first face that reversibly engages one of the plurality of recessed regions on the second side; and a second face that engages an artificial turf surface with a plurality of anchors.