Modular Portable Pitching Mound with Interlocking Flange

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable pitching mounds are not compatible with turf fields, create safety hazards due to lip edges, and lack the durability and feel of traditional dirt mounds, affecting pitcher performance and safety.

Innovation Solution

A modular portable pitching mound with a mound body composed of interlinking components, a convex upper surface, and a peripheral flange, using fiberglass and solid foam core for durability and flexibility, with artificial turf to mimic natural surfaces, and an interlocking flange attachment methodology to ensure seamless integration with turf fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional dirt pitching mounds are used, then the mound provides the correct feel and give for pitchers, but the mound decomposes artificial turf and creates costly repairs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitcher performance consistencyVSAvoidturf damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a portable pitching mound that copies the essential characteristics of traditional dirt mounds (shape, height, surface texture) using artificial materials (fiberglass, foam, rubber) that replicate the feel and give without containing actual dirt, thereby eliminating turf damage while maintaining pitcher performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The portable mound uses composite materials including fiberglass for structural integrity, foam for cushioning and give, and rubber for the pitching surface, combining these materials to simulate traditional dirt mound properties without the harmful decomposition effects on artificial turf

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If portable pitching mounds are used indoors, then pitchers can practice in gymnasiums, but the mounds create lip edges that interfere with live play and pose safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor practice capabilityVSAvoidsafety hazards from lip edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The portable mound incorporates flexible materials and a thin-profile design that allows it to conform to the field surface without creating prominent lip edges, reducing safety hazards while maintaining indoor practice functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The mound is designed with flexible, dynamic materials that can adapt to different playing surfaces and conditions, allowing seamless integration into both indoor and outdoor environments without creating hazardous edges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traditional dirt mounds are used, then the mound provides natural feel and composition, but the mound requires extensive maintenance including watering to prevent dust and dirt spreading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemound integrityVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The portable mound is designed to be self-maintaining through its artificial material construction, eliminating the need for watering and dust control measures required by traditional dirt mounds, while maintaining consistent integrity across multiple uses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The portable mound uses durable but replaceable artificial materials that can be easily maintained or replaced without extensive maintenance routines, reducing the operational burden compared to traditional dirt mounds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9844717B2Mobile baseball pitching mound

Publication Date: 2017.12.19 PORTA PRO MOUNDS INC DBA THE PERFECT MOUND

AI summary

A portable pitching mound that offers the strength and durability of a traditional dirt mound that is compatible with turf fields and will not create an edge lip on a baseball field.