Portable Pitching Mound Tool-Free Gravity Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable pitching mounds are complex and expensive to manufacture, and difficult to assemble due to their multiple connections, which hinder their widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A portable pitching mound design featuring mound sections that connect via a receiving slot system, allowing for tool-free assembly by gravity, eliminating the need for screws, bolts, or other connection members, and utilizing a monolithic construction for simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple mound sections are connected using traditional connection methods (screws, bolts, clamps, etc.), then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase, and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is merged into the mound sections themselves through the receiving slot feature that is integrated into the section structure. This eliminates the need for separate connection members (screws, bolts, clamps, etc.) while maintaining the connection function, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while preserving connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The mound sections perform their own connection function through the receiving slot mechanism. The sections are self-connecting without requiring external connection members or tools, as the receiving slot is built into the section structure itself. This self-service approach simplifies assembly while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If multiple connection members (screws, bolts, clamps, etc.) are used to connect mound sections, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly cost decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is merged into the mound section structure through the receiving slot feature. This integration eliminates the need for separate connection members, reducing the number of parts to manufacture and assemble while maintaining reliable connections through the built-in structural feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The mound sections are designed to connect themselves through the receiving slot mechanism without requiring external connection members. This self-service design reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while ensuring reliable connections through the integrated structural feature.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional connection members (screws, bolts, clamps, etc.) are used to assemble mound sections, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mound sections connect themselves through the receiving slot mechanism without requiring external connection members or tools. This self-service assembly process significantly reduces assembly time and difficulty while maintaining structural stability through the integrated connection feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection function is merged into the mound section structure through the receiving slot, eliminating the need for separate connection members. This integration allows for rapid assembly while maintaining stable connections through the built-in structural feature.
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 design enables easy and cost-effective assembly of portable pitching mounds, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining durability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
upon lowering, the weight of the mound section and gravity causes the lower edge to slide downwards and towards the adjoining mound section
Data Source
AI summary
A portable pitching mound with a plurality of mound sections. The plurality of mound sections are assembled by inserting a lower edge of one mound section into a receiving slot of another mound section. The configuration of the receiving slot forms an opening larger than the lower edge of the mound section to be received therein. The larger size of the opening allows the lower to be positioned anywhere above the opening of the receiving slot and upon lowering the weight of the mound section and gravity causes the lower edge to slide downwards and towards the adjoining mound section. Assembly does not require any tools or connection members such as screws, bolts, clamps, clasps, pins, adherent or adhesive surfaces, or the like.