Hitch-Mounted Grill Platform With Self-Leveling Stop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grilling systems for vehicles lack a self-leveling and self-stopping feature, making them unsafe, inconvenient, and costly for removable grilling capabilities at the rear of a vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate grill system with a leg that fits into a standard hitch receiver, a pivoting grill platform, and a coupling assembly with self-leveling and support arms, along with a removable self-locking pin, allowing for adjustable height and secure stopping, all made of aluminum for durability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable grill system is attached to a vehicle hitch receiver, then portable grilling capabilities are provided, but the system lacks self-leveling and self-stopping features making it unsafe and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly incorporates self-leveling arms with positioning apertures that automatically align and lock the grill platform at the correct height and angle, and self-stopping mechanisms that prevent over-extension. This allows the system to regulate its own positioning without external intervention, simultaneously improving safety through consistent proper positioning and convenience through automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable positioning apertures in the coupling assembly that change the geometric parameters (height, angle, position) of the grill platform. By providing multiple predetermined positioning options, the system achieves both safety through controlled parameter ranges and convenience through easy selection of different grilling configurations.
2Reliability
If existing grilling systems are designed without self-leveling and self-stopping features, then device complexity is reduced, but operational stability and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into separate functional components: self-leveling arms with positioning apertures for height and angle control, and self-stopping mechanisms for position limitation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while keeping the overall design manageable and not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic adjustable design where the grill platform can be positioned at multiple heights and angles through the positioning apertures, yet maintains operational stability through the self-leveling and self-stopping features that ensure proper positioning every time.
3Ease of operation
If a self-leveling and self-stopping mechanism is added to the grill system, then safety and convenience are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The self-leveling and self-stopping mechanisms are designed to automatically perform their functions without requiring complex control systems or multiple adjustment steps. The positioning apertures and locking features work together in a simple, intuitive manner that improves convenience while avoiding excessive complexity in the control and adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides convenience through easily changeable geometric parameters (height, angle, position) via the positioning apertures, while the self-leveling and self-stopping features ensure these parameter changes are made safely and consistently. The design achieves this with relatively simple mechanical components rather than complex electronic or hydraulic systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A leg is adapted to be inserted into a standard removable hitch receiver. The leg has spaced vertical plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced lower pivot apertures are provided. A plurality of positioning apertures are provided in an arcuate pattern. A pivoting grill platform has associated plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced upper pivot apertures are provided. A coupling assembly includes a pivoting support arm and a pivoting leveling arm. Each arm has an upper aperture and bolt coupling upper pivot apertures of the grill. Each arm has a lower aperture and bolt coupling the pivot apertures of the vertical plates of the leg. A removable self locking pin is positionable through the locking aperture and a preselected one of the plurality of positioning apertures.