Rail Mountable Sliding Shelf Assembly for Adjustable Grill Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf assemblies for grills and other articles lack versatility and convenience in terms of positioning and storage, particularly in marine environments, as they do not efficiently accommodate the need for adjustable placement and secure mounting on railings.
Innovation Solution
A rail mountable sliding shelf assembly comprising a diamond-plate metal first plate with C-channel brackets and couplers, including snap-lock thumbscrews and adapters, allows for perpendicular positioning and sliding along a railing, enabling secure mounting and adjustable placement of articles like grills and tackle boxes, with options for rotation and stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed shelf assembly is mounted on a railing, then the mounting is secure and stable, but the positioning flexibility and adjustability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the shelf to move dynamically along the railing while maintaining secure mounting through engagement features. The shelf can be positioned at different locations and locked in place, providing both flexibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be mounted on railings at various positions, adjusted to different angles, and configured for different storage needs. The universal mounting system accommodates different railing configurations while maintaining secure attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a versatile adjustable shelf system is implemented, then the adaptability and positioning options increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly is divided into separate modular components including the shelf body, mounting brackets, adjustment mechanisms, and locking features. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while providing versatile functionality through component combination.
Data Source
AI summary
A rail mountable sliding shelf assembly for supporting a grill and other articles includes a first plate. A plurality of brackets is coupled to a lower face of the first plate. Each bracket extends from proximate to a rear edge to proximate to a front edge of the first plate. Each of a plurality of couplers is configured to couple to a rail of a railing and to slidably couple to a respective bracket. The first plate is substantially perpendicular to the railing and the rear edge of the first plate is selectively positionable proximate to and distal from the rail. The first plate is configured to position an article of a user, such as a grill and a tackle box.