Non-Damaging Clamp for Grill Accessory Attachment Without Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a low-cost, non-damaging, and easily removable accessory solution for grills that does not require modification or alteration of the grill's body, while maintaining its integrity and aesthetic finish.

Innovation Solution

A clamp system with a base member and hanger member, utilizing a bolt and wing nut to secure a side table or accessory to a grill without drilling or scratching, using a base member with a lateral portion and hanger member with a hook portion that engages the grill's rolled lip, allowing for easy attachment and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a side table or accessory is attached to a grill, then the convenience and functionality are improved, but the grill's integrity and aesthetic finish may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of side tableVSAvoiddamage to grill integrity and finish

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp acts as an intermediary device between the side table and the grill, providing a secure attachment without direct fastening to the grill body. The clamp's hooked end engages with the grill's rolled lip externally, while the flat end supports the side table, thus mediating the connection without compromising the grill's integrity or aesthetic finish.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism is extracted from the grill body itself and placed in a separate clamp device. Instead of drilling into or attaching directly to the grill, the clamp is a standalone component that utilizes the grill's existing rolled lip structure for engagement, thereby avoiding any modification or damage to the grill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a permanent attachment method is used, then the security and stability are improved, but the removability and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidremovability of accessory

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is designed with dynamic adjustability through the wing nut and bolt mechanism. The wing nut allows for easy tightening to secure the clamp firmly to the grill's rolled lip, providing reliable attachment. Simultaneously, the same mechanism enables easy loosening and removal when needed, offering flexibility and adaptability without compromising security during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If a custom-made accessory is designed for a specific grill, then the fit and precision are improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit of accessory to grillVSAvoidcost and complexity of production

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is designed with universal applicability to accommodate various grill types. The hooked end engages with the rolled lip structure common to many grills, while the flat end provides a general-purpose support surface for different accessories like side tables. This universal design achieves adequate fit and precision across multiple grill models without requiring custom manufacturing for each specific grill type, thereby reducing production cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3338602B1Accessory for a grill

Publication Date: 2021.11.10 WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS

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AI summary

A clamp (20) for securing a side table or other accessory to a grill (10) without modifying or damaging the grill (10) is provided.