Grab Bar Accessory Mounting Assembly with Sliding Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grab bar assemblies do not support slidable accessories and may be difficult to grip, especially when wet, limiting their usability and versatility in bathroom environments.
Innovation Solution
A removable accessory holder assembly for grab bars with a mounting bracket system that allows for secure attachment and sliding of accessories along the grab bar, featuring a lock mechanism for easy installation and removal, and a rectangular profile for improved grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional grab bar assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but they do not support slidable accessories and lack versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket assembly is divided into separate components including a mounting bracket, lock assembly, and accessory holder that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables the system to support slidable accessories while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: securing the grab bar to the surface, supporting slidable accessories, and providing a removable mounting system. This multi-functionality achieves versatility without requiring completely complex specialized structures for each function.
2Ease of operation
If conventional grab bar assemblies are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but installation and removal of accessories is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly incorporates a movable locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling easy installation and removal of accessories. The dynamic nature of the lock allows simple user operation while the manufacturing complexity is confined to the locking mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly acts as an intermediary between the mounting bracket and the accessory holder, providing a simple interface for attachment and detachment. This intermediary mechanism simplifies user operation while concentrating the manufacturing complexity in a standardized locking component.
3Ease of operation
If conventional grab bar assemblies are used, then the structure is straightforward, but grip is difficult especially when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The grab bar features a rectangular profile with specifically designed surface characteristics at the grip areas. This local modification of the bar's geometry provides improved grip capability in wet conditions without fundamentally changing the overall straightforward structure of the assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed towards an accessory mounting assembly for mounting an accessory on a grab bar. The accessory mounting assembly includes an accessory mount and a mounting bracket. The accessory mount is configured to releasably couple to the accessory. The mounting bracket assembly includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion is coupled to the accessory mount. The second mounting portion is releasably coupled to the first mounting portion. When the second mounting portion is coupled to the first mounting portion, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion collectively define a bar opening configured to receive a portion of the grab bar to couple the accessory mounting assembly to the grab bar.