SLIDING SUPPORT MECHANISM

Rack-and-pinion sliding support mechanisms and mechanical elements thereof. One or more shafts are coupled to pinions configured to engage with one or more racks and configured to be driven by one or more motors. The rack and pinion are configured to provide vertical and horizontal displacement to reduce premature component wear leading to poor gear mesh caused to by forces on the mechanism during use. Motor assembly in such support mechanism is modified—as compared to current industrial versions—to prevent the destruction of motor-assembly housing by torques generated by the one or more motors and transferred to the pinions, thereby reducing motor failures.