Cup holder system

Abstract

A cup holder system 100 for a vehicle comprises a cup holder body 120 for receiving a drinking vessel 130,132 and a lid 108 moveable between open and closed positions. The lid covers the cup holder body in the closed position. The system further comprises a sensor 102 for determining a height of the drinking vessel, a height adjustment mechanism 118 for moving at least a portion of the cup holder body, and a control unit 104 to control the height adjustment mechanism based on signals received from the sensor. In a first operating mode, the control unit ensures that an uppermost part of the drinking vessel remains below a threshold height 150 to allow the lid to move into the closed position. First 120a and second 120b portions of the cup holder body may be moved independently of one another to account for drinking vessels of different heights.

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present disclosure relates to a cup holder system and a method for operating a cup holder system. More specifically, but without limitation, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle cup holder system. Background to the Invention Conventional car cup holders have long been an integral part of automotive interiors, providing a designated space for drivers and passengers to securely place their beverages while on the move. The advent of electric cars has revolutionized vehicle design by eliminating the need for traditional drivetrains, resulting in significantly deeper consoles compared to their petrol counterparts. Modem cup holders in electric vehicles are characterized by increased depth, presenting both opportunities and challenges. While the deeper consoles offer ample space, they also demand an evolution in cup holder design to ensure easy access to the beverage containers. One significant drawback of conventional car cup holders is their inability to adapt to the diverse array of beverage container sizes available on the market. The fixed dimensions of these holders often result in a poor fit for containers of varying sizes, leading to difficulties in retrieving the beverages and an increased risk of spillage during vehicle manoeuvres. This limitation is particularly problematic given the substantial variations in cup holder requirements influenced by cultural and geographical factors. For example, in the United States, where larger-sized soda cups exceeding 1.2 Liters are commonplace, conventional cup holders often struggle to securely hold such sizable containers. In contrast, in other regions, the standard may involve smaller espresso cups or water bottles. The failure of conventional cup holders to adapt to this spectram of container sizes poses a notable inconvenience. While some cup holders claim adjustability to cater to different container sizes, the mechanisms employed are often cumbersome and inconvenient. Users frequently encounter difficulties in smoothly adjusting the cup holder to accommodate shorter or taller beverage containers, thereby diminishing the user experience, and potentially distracting the driver from the road. Additionally, conventional cup holders lack a dedicated safety system to mitigate the risk of spillage during sudden stops, sharp turns, or accidents. The absence of a secure locking mechanism puts users at risk of injury as the contents of the cup holder may be easily dislodged, leading to spillage that can cause distraction, damage, or even harm in the event of an abrupt deceleration or collision. Recognizing these inherent limitations, there is a need for an improved cup holder design that addresses the issues of size adaptability, ease of adjustment, and most critically, the incorporation of a robust safety system to prevent spillage and enhance overall occupant safety in various driving conditions. The present invention aims to provide means which may be used to assist in addressing some or all of the problems identified above. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cup holder system. The cup holder system may comprise a cup holder body for receiving a drinking vessel. The cup holder system may comprise a lid. The lid may be moveable between an open and a closed position. The lid may be configured to cover the cup holder body in the closed position. The cup holder system may comprise a sensor for determining a height of the drinking vessel. The cup holder system may comprise a height adjustment mechanism configured to move at least a portion of the cup holder body. The cup holder system may comprise a control unit. The control unit may be configured to receive signals from the sensor. The control unit may be configured to control the operation of the height adjustment mechanism based on the signals. In a first mode of operation the control unit may ensure that an uppermost part of the drinking vessel remains below a threshold height to allow the lid to be moved into the closed position. Although referred to as a "drinking vessel” herein, the cup holder body may be configured to receive any type of container. For example, the cup holder body may be configured to receive a container for receiving any foodstuffs. In some embodiments the container may comprise a cup for receiving hot or cold beverages. In other embodiments, the container may be configured to receive soup or similar. In some embodiments, the container may comprise a coffee cup, a soft drink can or a soft drink bottle. Thus, in one preferred embodiment, in a first mode of operation the control unit is configured to ensure that an uppermost part of a 12.3cm tall drinking vessel (e.g. a standard 330ml soft drink can) remains below a threshold height to allow the lid to be moved into the closed position. In another preferred embodiment in a first mode of operation the control unit is configured to ensure that an uppermost part of a 20.3 cm tall cm drinking vessel (e.g. a standard 500ml soft drink bottle) remains below a threshold height to allow the lid to be moved into the closed position. In another preferred embodiment in a first mode of operation the control unit is configured to ensure that an uppermost part of a 5cm tall drinking vessel (e.g. a typical espresso coffee cup) remains below a threshold height to allow the lid to be moved into the closed position. Naturally, in more preferred embodiments, in a first mode of operation the control unit is configured to ensure that an uppermost part of any one of a 5cm, 12.3 cm, or 20.3 cm tall drinking vessel remains below a threshold height to allow the lid to be moved into the closed position. As such, the cup holder system can accommodate various different heights. More preferably still, in a first mode of operation the control unit is configured to ensure that an uppermost part of a drinking vessel of 3cm in height and 30cm in height remains below a threshold height to allow the lid to be moved into the closed position. Such an embodiment can therefore accommodate drinking vessels of anywhere between 3cm and 40cm in height, and can therefore handle quite different types of drinking vessels, from espresso cups to quite large e.g. 1.5 litre bottles. The threshold height may be defined as the maximum vertical position of the uppermost part of the drinking vessel which still allows the lid to be moved into the closed position. In other words, the threshold height may be positioned just below a vertical level of the lid in the closed position. For example, the threshold height may be less than 20mm, less than 10mm, less than 5mm or less than 2mm below the vertical level of the lid in the closed position. The threshold height may be between 1mm and 10mm below the vertical level of the lid in the closed position. Alternatively, the threshold height may be between 1mm and 5mm below the vertical level of the lid in the closed position. In the closed position, the lid may be configured to cover the whole of the cup holder body. In other embodiments, the lid may be configured to cover at least a portion of the cup holder body in the closed position. For example, in some embodiments the lid may be configured to only cover one or more recesses (which are configured to receive the drinking vessel) in the closed position. In some embodiments, the height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the whole cup holder body. In this embodiment the whole cup holder body is moved along a vertical axis. In other embodiments, the height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move only a portion of the cup holder body. For example, the height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move a base of the cup holder body along the vertical axis, such that the depth of the recess (which is configured to receive the drinking vessel) in the cup holder body is adjusted. Advantageously, the control unit in combination with the height adjustment mechanism allow for a seamless adaptation of the cup holder to drinking vessels of varying heights. This feature ensures that whether accommodating a tall water bottle or a short coffee cup, the system automatically adjusts the depth or the vertical position of the cup holder, providing a snug and stable fit for any beverage. The automatic height adjustment not only enhances the overall stability of the drinking vessels during vehicle movements but also contributes to user convenience. By adjusting the vertical position of the uppermost part of the drinking vessel, the control unit ensures that the drinking vessel is easy to retrieve. For example, the control unit may ensure that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel is within easy reach of the user. Critically, by ensuring that an uppermost part of the drinking vessel remains below the threshold height to allow the lid to be moved into the closed position, the control system improves the safety of the cup holder system. This is because, during sudden stops or accidents the control unit can quickly and easily move the lid into the closed position (without having to initially adjust the height of the cup holder body), thereby ensuring that the contents of the drinking vessel are not spilled on the user. The height adjustment mechanism may be automated. For example, the control unit may be configured to automatically move at least a portion of the cup holder body upon detecting a presence of the drinking vessel, such that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel remains below the threshold height. Advantageously, this automated mechanism ensures that a user doesn’t have to manually change the position of the cup holder body, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome for the user. In some embodiments, the cup holder system may comprise a manual override button or crank handle. The manual override button or crank handle may allow a user to override the automatic height adjustment mechanism to manually adjust the vertical position of at least a position of the cup holder body. The height adjustment mechanism may comprise at least one actuator operatively connected to the cup holder body. The actuator may be configured to move at least a portion of the cup holder body along a vertical axis. For example, the actuator may be configured to move the whole cup holder body along the vertical axis. In other embodiments, the actuator may be configured to only move a base of the cup holder body along the vertical axis. The at least one actuator may comprise a linear actuator. The linear actuator may comprise an electro-mechanical linear actuator. The electro-mechanical linear actuator may comprise an electric motor connected to: a lead screw, a rack-and-pinion style mechanism, a scissor-lift mechanism, a telescopic mechanism and / or a cam-and-follower mechanism. In some embodiments the linear actuator may comprise a hydraulic linear actuator, a telescopic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator and / or a piezoelectric linear actuator. The linear actuator may be positioned within the cup holder system, such that the extension or retraction of the linear actuator translates into a corresponding adjustment in the height of at least a portion of the cup holder body. The cup holder body may comprise a first portion comprising a first recess for receiving a first drinking vessel. The cup holder body may comprise a second portion comprising a second recess for receiving a second drinking vessel. In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be connected to each other. In other embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may not be connected to each other. The height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the first portion of the cup holder body independently of moving the second portion of the cup holder body. In some embodiments, the height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the whole of the first portion of the cup holder body to a different vertical position than the second portion of the cup holder body. In other embodiments, the height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move a base of the first recess to a different vertical position that a base of the second recess. The sensor may be configured to determine both a height of the first drinking vessel and a height of the second drinking vessel. In some embodiments, the height of the first drinking vessel may be equal to the height of the second drinking vessel. In other embodiments, the height of the first drinking vessel may be different to the height of the second drinking vessel. Advantageously, by dividing the cup holder body into a first portion with a recess for the first drinking vessel and a second portion with a recess for the second drinking vessel, additional degree of flexibility is added to the cup holder system. This design allows for the accommodation of drinking vessels of varying heights, as the height adjustment mechanism can be selectively applied to each portion. This feature is particularly advantageous when users need to place beverages with different container heights in the cup holder system simultaneously. For instance, a taller water bottle can be securely held in the first portion, while at the same time, a shorter coffee cup fits snugly in the second portion. The ability to adjust each portion independently ensures that both drinking vessels are stably held, preventing any risk of spillage the during vehicle movement. Additionally, since the height adjustment mechanism allows for independent adjustment of height for each of the first and second portions of the cup holder body, the uppermost part of the drinking vessel in either section can be adjusted to remain below the threshold height. This ensures that the control unit can easily and quickly move the lid into the closed position, even during unexpected events such as during heavy braking or an accident. The design not only optimizes the usability of the cup holder but also contributes to a safer in-car experience, where the risk of spills is minimized, and the contents of the drinking vessels can be securely contained, regardless of their individual heights. The height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the first portion of the cup holder body and the second portion of the cup holder body such that an uppermost part of the first drinking vessel is level with an uppermost part of the second drinking vessel. The first drinking vessel may have a different height than the second drinking vessel. Advantageously, by aligning the uppermost parts of the drinking vessels, the users can easily retrieve and replace their beverages. This improves the convenience with which the user can retrieve and replace the drinking vessels while using the cup holder system. The height adjustment mechanism may comprise a first actuator operatively connected to the first portion of the cup holder body. Additionally, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a second actuator operatively connected to the second portion of the cup holder body. The first actuator and the second actuator may be positioned within the cup holder system, such that the operation of the first actuator and the second actuator translates into the respective vertical movement of the first portion of the cup holder body and the second portion of the cup holder body. The first actuator and / or the second actuator may comprise a linear actuator. The linear actuator may comprise an electro-mechanical linear actuator. The electromechanical linear actuator may comprise an electric motor connected to: a lead screw, a rack-and-pinion style mechanism, a scissor-lift mechanism, a telescopic mechanism and / or a cam-and-follower mechanism. In some embodiments the linear actuator may comprise a hydraulic linear actuator, a telescopic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator and / or a piezoelectric linear actuator. The height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move at least a portion of the cup holder body such that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel is positioned no more than 5cm below the lid in the closed position. In some embodiments, the height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move at least a portion of the cup holder body such that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel is positioned no more than 2cm below the lid in the closed position. In some embodiments, the height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move at least a portion of the cup holder body such that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel is positioned no more than 1cm below the lid in the closed position. In some embodiments, the height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move at least a portion of the cup holder body such that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel is positioned no more than 5cm, 2cm or 1cm below the threshold height. The height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move at least a portion of the cup holder body such that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel is positioned in the highest possible vertical position which still remains below the threshold height. The height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move at least a portion of the cup holder body between a minimum position and a maximum position. A travel distance between the minimum position and the maximum position may be at least 2cm, at least 5cm, at least 10cm, at least 20cm, at least 30cm, or at least 40cm. Clearly, the greater the travel distance, the more different heights of drinking vessel, the system can accommodate. For example, the height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move between a position providing a depth of 2cm and a position providing a depth of 50cm (over a travel distance of 48cm) and may thus accommodate a very large range of heights of drinking vessels, whilst maintaining their uppermost part below (but preferably close to) the underside of the lid. In another arrangement. For example, the height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move between a position providing a depth between 5cm and 40cm or between 5cm and 30cm or between 10cm and 15cm. Obviously a greater range between the minimum and maximum depth is preferred, but smaller range, focussed around the height of typical drinking vessels may still have utility. The height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the first portion of the cup holder body such that the uppermost part of the first drinking vessel is positioned no more than 5cm, 2cm or 1cm below the lid in the closed position. The height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the second portion of the cup holder body such that the uppermost part of the second drinking vessel is positioned no more than 5cm, 2cm or 1cm below the lid in the closed position. In some embodiments, the height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the first portion and / or the second portion of the cup holder body such that the uppermost part of the first drinking vessel and / or the second drinking vessel is positioned no more than 5cm, 2cm or 1cm below the threshold height. The height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move at least a first portion of the cup holder body or the second portion of the cup holder body such that the uppermost part of the first drinking vessel / second drinking vessel is positioned in the highest possible vertical position which still remains below the threshold height. The height adjustment mechanism may be configured to move at least the first or the second portion of the cup holder body between the above-mentioned minimum position and the above-mentioned maximum position. Ensuring that the first and second drinking vessels are not positioned too far below the level of the lid is paramount to facilitating effortless retrieval of the drinking vessels for the user. This design consideration minimizes the need for excessive reaching or awkward manoeuvres when accessing beverages within the cup holder. By maintaining a proximity between the uppermost parts of the drinking vessels and the level of the lid or the threshold height, users can effortlessly grasp their chosen container without inconvenience. This ergonomic advantage is particularly significant in the context of a moving vehicle, where smooth and unobtrusive access to beverages contributes to overall safety and comfort. The cup holder system may further comprise a lid actuator. The lid actuator may be configured to move the lid between the open position and the closed position. The lid actuator may allow for an automatic operation of the lid in response to feedback from one or more sensors or an explicit instruction from a user. The lid actuator may comprise any type of one or more actuators, including but not limited to: electromechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a telescopic actuator, a pneumatic actuator and / or a piezoelectric actuator. The lid actuator may be configured to move the lid along an axis which is perpendicular to the axis along which the at least a portion of the cup holder body (and consequently the one or more drinking vessels) is moved. In other words, the lid actuator may be configured to move the lid along the horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the lid actuator may be configured to move the lid along both the vertical and the horizontal axis. For example, the lid actuator may be configured to initially lift the lid in the vertical direction and subsequently move the lid along the horizontal axis into the closed position. Alternatively, the lid may be hinged. The lid actuator may be configured to move the lid from the open position to the closed position by moving the hinge about its axis. The control unit may be configured to control the lid actuator. More specifically, the control unit may be configured to move the lid between the open position and the closed position. In some embodiments, the control unit may be incorporated into a vehicle. For example, the control unit may form a part of the vehicle’s onboard electronics. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit may be integrated into users' personal devices, such as smartphones or user equipment. This dual integration potential underscores the adaptability of the cup holder system, allowing users to interact with and control its features conveniently through either the vehicle's built-in electronics or their personal devices, thereby providing a user-centric experience. The control unit may be configured to receive signals from a vehicle’s onboard sensors. In response to receiving an indication of a predetermined event, the control unit may be configured to automatically move the lid into the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, in response to receiving an indication of a second predetermined event, the control unit may be configured to automatically move the lid into the open position. In some embodiments, the vehicle’s onboard sensors may detect a rapid change in acceleration, indicative of a car accident. In this embodiment, the predetermined event comprises a car accident. In response to the indication of a car accident the control unit may be configured to automatically move the lid into the closed position. This automatic response serves as a proactive safety measure, pre-emptively containing the contents of the drinking vessels within the cup holder to mitigate the risk of spillage during the tumultuous moments of an accident. In some embodiments, the vehicle’s onboard sensors may detect a change in driving mode. For example, the vehicle’s onboard sensors may detect a change of the driving mode from comfort mode to sports mode. In this embodiment, the predetermined event comprises a change in drive mode setting. In response to the indication of a change in drive mode setting the control unit may be configured to automatically move the lid into the closed position. This proactive response is strategically designed to enhance safety during dynamic driving conditions. When the vehicle shifts into a more performance-oriented mode, rapid accelerations, sharp turns, and abrupt manoeuvres are anticipated. By automatically securing the lid in the closed position during such driving mode changes, the cup holder system prevents the risk of spills and ensures that the contents of the drinking vessels remain securely contained. In some embodiments, the vehicle’s onboard sensors may detect that a driver has left the vehicle. For example, the vehicle’s onboard sensors may detect a weight shift in a driver’s seat sensor, indicative of a driver leaving the vehicle. A skilled person would appreciate that there are a number of other ways in which the vehicle’s onboard sensors may detect that a driver has left the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may utilize proximity sensors installed in the exterior door handles, key fob or smart key detection, biometric sensors, infrared sensors and / or motion sensors to detect that a user has left the vehicle. In this embodiment, the predetermined event comprises a driver leaving the vehicle. In response to the indication of a driver leaving the vehicle the control unit may be configured to automatically move the lid into the closed position. In some embodiments, the vehicle’s onboard sensors may detect that a driver has entered a vehicle. For example, the vehicle’s onboard sensors may detect a weight shift in a driver’s seat sensor indicative of a driver entering the vehicle. In this embodiment, the predetermined event comprises a driver entering the vehicle. A skilled person would appreciate that there are a number of other ways in which the vehicle’s onboard sensors may detect that a driver has entered the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may utilize proximity sensors installed in the exterior door handles, key fob or smart key detection, biometric sensors, infrared sensors and / or motion sensors to detect a presence of a user. In response to the indication of a driver entering the vehicle the control unit may be configured to automatically move the lid into the open position. Advantageously, this automation is designed to facilitate a seamless and user-friendly experience for the driver, especially when their hands may be occupied with other items or tasks upon entering the vehicle. By automatically opening the lid, the cup holder system anticipates the driver's needs, allowing them to effortlessly place drinking vessels within the cup holder without the need for manual intervention. This proactive and convenient approach enhances the overall user experience, making the cup holder more accessible. In some embodiments, the control unit may further comprise a user interface. The user interface may allow a user to interact with the control unit. The user interface may comprise a dedicated user equipment application. For example, the user interface may comprise a dedicated smartphone or tablet application. The dedicated user equipment application may enable the user to wirelessly connect to the control unit. Through the application, the users may adjust the cup holder settings, control the lid and height adjustment mechanisms, and / or receive notifications or alerts from the control unit. The notifications or alerts from the control unit may comprise notifications of the lid being opened or closed, a drinking vessel being inserted or removed from the cup holder and / or any malfunctions of the cup holder system. The user interface may comprise an in-vehicle touchscreen. In this embodiment, Users can access and control cup holder functions through the vehicle's central infotainment system. The user interface may comprise mechanical switches or buttons. The mechanical switches or buttons may be integrated directly into the vehicle's interior to provide a tactile and straightforward means of interaction. In this manner, the users can manually control the cup holder features with physical input via the mechanical switches or buttons. In other embodiments, the user interface may comprise a voice command system, a gesture recognition system and / or an embedded touch control system. The voice-activated user interface allows users to control the cup holder system by issuing voice commands. Advanced systems may incorporate gesture recognition technology, allowing users to control the cup holder features through specific hand movements or gestures. Touch-sensitive controls directly embedded into the cup holder surface or nearby surfaces can serve as an intuitive user interface, enabling users to interact by tapping or swiping. The flexibility in the user interface design ensures that users can interact with the cup holder system in a manner that suits their preferences and physiological needs. This variety of interfaces enhances the overall user experience by providing convenient and accessible means of controlling the cup holder features. The control unit may comprise a second mode of operation. In the second mode of operation the control unit is operable to override the first mode of operation and move or maintain the uppermost part of the drinking vessel above the threshold height. For example, in the second mode of operation, a user can manually override the control unit to move or maintain the uppermost part of the drinking vessel above the threshold height. This manual override feature may be used in safe conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the second mode of operation may only be used when the vehicle is stationary or when the vehicle is moving below a threshold speed. Alternatively, the second mode of operation may only be used when the one or more drinking vessels do not contain a hot substance (e.g., when the one or more drinking vessels do not contain a hot drink). This safety precaution ensures that users can exercise manual control only when it poses minimal risk and distraction. This second mode of operation may be convenient for a user when the drinking vessel is relatively small and would otherwise be hard to extract from the cupholder if the drinking vessel were to be maintained below the threshold height. In some situations, one or more drinking vessels cannot be moved below the threshold height due to their inherent height. For example, the drinking vessel may have a height which exceeds the travel distance of the height adjustment mechanism. In such instances, the system incorporates a protective mechanism. The protective mechanism may comprise an audible alarm, a visual warning, and / or request asking the user to acknowledge and accept the associated risk before proceeding with their journey. This multifaceted approach prioritizes user safety by discouraging manual intervention in potentially unsafe conditions while providing a safeguard against consequences when dealing with taller drinking vessels. The integration of these safety features improves the user safety and aims to prevent of hazardous situations in the vehicle. The control unit may be configured to store user preferences for different drinking vessel sizes. For example, the control unit may be configured to store data which indicates that a user always wants the control unit to operate in the second operation mode when an espresso cup is placed in the cup holder. The control unit may be configured to instruct the height adjustment mechanism to automatically move the cup holder body to a desired position based on the detected height of the drinking vessel. For example, the control unit may be configured to instruct the height adjustment mechanism to automatically move the cup holder body to a preferred position based on detecting that the drinking vessel comprises a short container (e., an espresso cup). In some embodiments, the sensor comprises a camera. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may comprise an infrared sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may comprise proximity sensors (e.g., capacitive or inductive sensors). Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may comprise ultrasonic sensors Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may comprise laser sensors. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may comprise load cells (i.e., for measuring weight and using a reference database to estimate container dimensions). Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may comprise hall effect sensors (i.e., for detecting disturbances in a magnetic field if a metal drinking vessel is used). Any combination of the above sensors may be used. Combining multiple sensors, such as cameras with infrared or depth sensors, enhances measurement reliability through cross-verification. Each sensor type brings specific advantages, including precision, speed, non-contact measurement, and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, allowing the cup holder system to tailor its sensing approach based on the environmental requirements. The lid may comprise a vehicle armrest. For example, the lid may comprise a central console armrest within the vehicle. In this configuration, the threshold height may be positioned just below (i.e., less than 1mm, less than 2mm, less than 5mm or less than 10mm) a lower surface of the armrest. In this manner, the vehicle armrest may be moved into the closed position without colliding with the one or more drinking vessels which are present within the cup holder. The cup holder system may further comprise a thermal means for heating or cooling the cup holder body. The thermal means may be incorporated into the cup holder body. The thermal means may be incorporated into the first portion of the cup holder body and the second portion of the cup holder body. The thermal means can take different forms, and its strategic positioning is crucial for effective temperature control. The thermal means may comprise integrated heating elements and / or cooling components. These elements, such as resistive heaters or Peltier devices, can be positioned within the cup holder body to facilitate efficient temperature control. The thermal means may comprise a thermally conductive material. For example, the cup holder body itself can be constructed from thermally conductive materials. The thermal means may comprise thermal tubes or channels for the circulation of a heating or cooling medium, such as warm or chilled air or liquid. The choice of thermal means and its positioning depends on factors such as power requirements, desired temperature range, and the overall design of the cup holder system. Advantageously, incorporating a thermal means enhances the functionality of the cup holder system, providing users with the option to enjoy beverages at their preferred temperature. The cup holder may further comprise a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be configured to secure the lid in the closed position. The control unit may be configured to control the operation of the locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to automatically lock the locking mechanism every time the lid is moved into the closed position. In other embodiments, the control unit may be configured to lock the locking mechanism if certain pre-defined conditions are met. The pre-defined conditions may comprise the vehicle being locked. The pre-defined conditions may comprise the vehicle sensors detecting a high likelihood of an imminent car accident. The locking mechanism enhances the overall safety of the system by preventing unintended openings of the lid, particularly during abrupt vehicle movements, sudden stops, or changes in driving conditions. This ensures that the contents of the drinking vessels remain securely contained within the cup holder, minimizing the risk of spills and potential distractions for the driver. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the cup holder system described herein. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle console comprising the cup holder system describe herein. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for operating a cup holder system. The method may comprise determining, by a sensor, a height of a drinking vessel placed in a cup holder body. The method may comprise receiving, by a control unit and from the sensor, a first signal indicating the height of a drinking vessel. The method may comprise sending, by a control unit and to a height adjustment mechanism, a second signal. The second signal may instruct the height adjustment mechanism to move at least a portion of the cup holder body such that an uppermost part of the drinking vessel remains below the threshold height to allow a lid to be moved into a closed position. The lid may be moveable between an open and the closed position. The lid may be configured to cover the cup holder body in the closed position. The second signal may instruct the height adjustment mechanism to move at least a portion of the cup holder body such that an uppermost part of the drinking vessel is arranged at a predetermined height (the predetermined height being below the threshold height to allow a lid to be moved into a closed position). Determining the height of the drinking vessel may comprise determining that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel protrudes above the threshold height. In this embodiment, the second signal may be configured to instruct the height adjustment mechanism to move at least a portion of the cup holder body downwards such that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel remains below the threshold height (for example, such that the uppermost pail of the drinking vessel is arranged at the predetermined height). Alternatively, determining the height of the drinking vessel may comprise determining that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel is below the predetermined height. The predetermined height may be an “optimal height” for the uppermost part of the drinking vessel. More specifically, the optimal height may be no more than 5cm, 2cm, 1cm, or 0.5cm below the threshold height, e.g. 0.3cm below the threshold height. The drinking vessel at the optimal height may be easily reachable by the user. In this embodiment, the second signal may be configured to instruct the height adjustment mechanism to move at least a portion of the cup holder body upwards such that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel is at the predetermined height, which is below the threshold height. A significant advantage lies in strategically positioning the uppermost part of the drinking vessel at the optimal height just below the vertical level of the lid in its closed position. This deliberate alignment proves advantageous as the lid, when closed, functions as a stabilizing element for the drinking vessel. This configuration prevents unintended movements or spills during vehicle motion, abrupt stops, or changes in driving conditions. The method may further comprise receiving, by the control unit and from a vehicle’s onboard sensors, an indication of a predetermined event. The method may further comprise sending, by the control unit and to a lid actuator controlling the movement of the lid, instructions to move the lid into the closed position. The method may further comprise moving, by the lid actuator, the lid into the closed position. The predetermined event may comprise a car accident, a change of the drive mode, a detection of a user leaving the vehicle, a detection of a user entering the vehicle, a switching of the ignition, acceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold, speed of a vehicle exceeding the predetermined threshold and / or a locking of the vehicle. The method may further comprise determining, by the sensor, that a drinking vessel has been removed from the cup holder body. The method may further comprise determining, by the sensor, that a drinking vessel has not been returned to the cup holder body within a predetermined period of time. The method may further comprise sending, by the sensor and to the control unit, a third signal indicating that a drinking vessel is not present in the cup holder body. The method may further comprise sending, by the control unit and to the lid actuator, instructions to move the lid into the closed position. The method may further comprise determining, by the sensor, that a drinking vessel has not been returned to the cup holder body within a predetermined period of time. The method may further comprise moving at least a portion of the cup holder to a neutral vertical position upon determining that a drinking vessel has not been returned to the cup holder body within a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the cup holder body is automatically moved to the neutral vertical position if a drinking vessel is not present within the cup holder body. In one embodiment, the neutral vertical position may comprise a mid-point position between an uppermost vertical position of the at least a portion of the cup holder body and the lowermost vertical position of the at least a portion of the cup holder body. In other words, the neutral vertical position may be positioned in the middle of the vertical range of the at least a portion of the cupholder body. In another embodiment, the neutral vertical position may comprise the lowermost vertical position of the at least a portion of the cup holder body. In other words, the neutral vertical position may be positioned at the bottom of the vertical range of the at least a portion of the cup-holder body. In some embodiments, the method further comprises recognising a type of the drinking vessel placed in the cup holder body. The method may further comprise identifying a preferred position of the at least a portion of the cup holder body associated with the type of the drinking vessel. The method may further comprise sending, by the control unit and to the height adjustment mechanism, a signal instructing the height adjustment mechanism to move at least a portion of the cup holder body to the preferred position. In this manner, the system may be configured to store user preferences as to the position of the cup holder body based on the type of the one or more drinking vessels. For example, the system may store information that if the drinking vessel comprises an espresso cup, the at least a portion of the cup holder body should be moved to a specific position preferred by the user. The cup holder body may comprise a first portion comprising a first recess for receiving a first drinking vessel and a second portion comprising a second recess for receiving a second drinking vessel. The method may further comprise determining, by the sensor, a height of the first drinking vessel. The method may further comprise determining, by the sensor, a height of the second drinking vessel. The method may further comprise moving, by the height adjustment mechanism, the first portion of the cup holder body and the second portion of the cup holder body such that an uppermost part of the first drinking vessel and an uppermost part of the second drinking vessel both remain below the threshold height. In some embodiments, the lid may be configured to only cover a portion of the cup holder body in the closed position. For example, the lid may be configured to only cover the top of the first drinking vessel or the second drinking vessel in the closed position. The cup-holder system may be configured to determine that only one of the first drinking vessel or the second drinking vessel need to be covered. For example, the cup-holder system may determine that the first drinking vessel contains a hot liquid, and it should be covered in certain predetermined events. Additionally, the cup-holder system may determine that the first drinking vessel contains a room-temperature liquid, and it does not need to be covered in certain predetermined events. Upon conducting the above determinations, the control unit may be configured to send a signal to the lid actuator, instructions the lid actuator to move the lid such that the lid only covers the first drinking vessel. The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the aspects, methods, examples or embodiments described herein may be applied to any other method, aspect, example, embodiment or feature. Further, the description of any aspect, method, example or feature may form part of or the entirety of an embodiment of the invention as defined by the claims. Any of the examples described herein may be an example which embodies the invention defined by the claims and thus an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a cup holder system. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle comprising the cup holder system. Figures 3a to 3c show schematic diagrams of a first example of an operation of the cup holder system holding a first and a second drinking vessel. Figures 4a to 4c show schematic diagrams of a second example of an operation of the cup holder system holding the first and the second drinking vessel. Figures 5a to 5d show schematic diagrams of a first example of an operation of the cup holder system holding the first and a third drinking vessel. Figures 6a to 6d show schematic diagrams of a second example of an operation of the cup holder system holding the first and the third drinking vessel. Figure 7 shows a plan view of the first example of the cup holder system. Figure 8 shows a plan view of the second example of the cup holder system. Figure 9 shows a flow diagram of a method of operating the cup holder system. Figure 10 shows a flow diagram of step A depicted in Figure 9. Figure 11 shows a flow diagram of a method of automatically closing a lid of the cup holder system. In the drawings like articles are assigned like reference symbols. It will be understood that the use of terms such as vertical, horizontal, left, right etc. are for descriptive purposes only to aid comprehension, and thus do not preclude alternative orientations or configurations of the disclosed invention. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a cup holder system 100. The cup holder system 100 comprises one or more sensors 102, a cup holder control unit 104 and cup holder components 106. The cup holder components 106 comprise a cup holder body 120, a height adjustment mechanism 118, a lid 108, a lid actuator 110 and a locking mechanism 128. The one or more sensors 102 are configured to communicate with (i.e., send signals to) the cup holder control unit 104 via a first communication link 136. The cup holder control unit 104 is configured to communicate (i.e., exchange signals with) the cup holder components 106 via a second communication link 134 and a third communication link 138. The cup holder body 120 comprises a first portion 120a comprising a first recess 122 for receiving a first drinking vessel 132 and a second portion 120b comprising a second recess 126 for receiving a second drinking vessel 130. An interface between the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b is depicted as a boundary 124. Although in this embodiment the cup holder body 120 is shown as having two distinct portions (i.e., the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b), it will be understood that in other embodiments the cup holder body 120 comprises a monolithic structure. In other words, the cup holder body comprises a single, continuous, or integral structure and does not have a plurality of portions. In other embodiments, the cup holder body 120 may comprise more than two distinct portions, each portion comprising a recess for receiving a drinking vessel. hi this embodiment, the first drinking vessel 132 and the second drinking vessel 130 are depicted as a water bottle and a coffee cup, respectively. However, a skilled person would appreciate that the first drinking vessel 132 and the second drinking vessel 130 may comprise any type of container. For example, the cup holder body may be configured to receive a container for receiving any foodstuffs. In some embodiments the container that the cup holder body is configured to receive may comprise a cup for receiving hot or cold beverages. Although the cup holder body 120 is shown as being capable of receiving two drinking vessels, in some embodiments, the cup holder body 120 may be configured to receive more or fewer drinking vessels. The first drinking vessel 132 and / or the second drinking vessel 130 may have a height of between 5 cm and 40cm, 8cm and 20cm, or 9cm and 12cm. Directions in Figure 1 are shown by 3D cartesian axes 140. The axes 140 shows a vertical direction as y axis, a horizontal direction as x axis, and a depth direction as z axis. The height adjustment mechanism 118 is configured to move the cup holder body 120 in the vertical direction (i.e., along the y axis). A travel distance (i.e., distance between a lowest and highest position) of the cup holder body 120 is depicted by a distance yl. The travel distance yl may be between 2cm and 50cm. The travel distance may be between 5cm and 40cm or between 5cm and 30cm or between 10cm and 15cm. The lid actuator 110 is configured to control the movement of the lid 108. More specifically, the lid actuator 110 is configured to move the lid 108 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the lid 108 is configured to at least partially cover the cup holder body 120. For example, in the closed position the lid 108 may be configured to cover at least an opening of the second recess 126. In other embodiments, the lid 108 may be configured to cover both an opening of the first recess 122 and the opening of the second recess 126 in the closed position. In the open position, the lid 108 may be configured to provide access to at least one of the first recess 122 and / or the second recess 126. For example, the lid 108 may be configured to not cover the first recess 122 in the open position. Alternatively, the lid 108 may be configured to not cover both the first recess 122 and the second recess 126 in the open position. A travel distance (i.e., distance between a leftmost and rightmost position) of the lid is depicted by a distance xl. The operation of the lid actuator 110 is explained in more detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The locking mechanism 128 is configured to secure the lid 108 in the closed position. In some embodiments, the cup holder control unit 104 may be configured to automatically lock the locking mechanism 128 every time the lid 108 is moved into the closed position. In other embodiments, the control unit may be configured to lock the locking mechanism 128 if certain pre-defined conditions are met. The pre-defined conditions may comprise the vehicle being locked or the vehicle sensors detecting a high likelihood of an imminent car accident. The locking mechanism 128 enhances the overall safety of the system by preventing unintended openings of the lid 108, particularly during abrupt vehicle movements, sudden stops, or changes in driving conditions. Amongst other uses, the one or more sensors 102 are configured to determine a height of the first drinking vessel 132 and the second drinking vessel 130. The sensors 102 transmit data / signals (including the drinking vessels height determination data) to the cup holder control unit 104 via the first communication link 136. In turn, the cup holder control unit 104 is configured to control the operation of the locking mechanism 128, the lid actuator 110 and the height adjustment mechanism 118 based on the data / signals received from the one or more sensors 102. The cup holder control unit 104 ensures that an uppermost part of the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130 remain below a threshold height 150 to allow the lid 108 to be moved into the closed position. This operation will be described in more detail with reference to the subsequent figures. Advantageously, by ensuring that an uppermost part of the one or more drinking vessels 132,130 remain below the threshold height 150 to allow the lid 108 to be moved into the closed position, the cup holder control system 104 improves the safety of the cup holder system 100. This is because, during sudden stops or accidents the cup holder control unit 104 can quickly and easily move the lid 108 into the closed position, thereby ensuring that the contents of the drinking vessels 132, 130 are not spilled on the user. The first communication link 136, the second communication link 134 and the third communication link 138 may comprise wired or wireless communication links. For example, the one or more sensors 102, the cup holder control unit 104 and the cup holder components 106 may communicate with each other over a wireless communication network. For example, the communication links 136, 134, 132 may comprise wide-area network communication links. The wide-area network communication links may comprise a cellular telephone network, a Wi-Fi network, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication links 136, 134, 132 may comprise a short-range wireless communication link. The short-range wireless communication link may comprise a radio frequency communication link and / or a Bluetooth™ communication link. Additionally or alternatively, the communication links 136, 134, 132 may comprise a wired connection. The wired connection may comprise a physical cable or wire. For example, the wired connection may comprise coaxial cables or fibre-optic cables. The wired connection offers a reliable and secure data transfer connection. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle 200 comprising the cup holder system 100 shown in Figure 1. The vehicle 200 comprises a vehicle computer 202, the plurality of sensors 102 and the cup holder components 106. As previously mentioned, the cup holder components 106 comprise the height adjustment mechanism 118, the lid actuator 110 and the lid locking mechanism. Although not shown in Figure 1, the cup holder components 106 may also comprise a thermal means 240. The thermal means 240 is configured to heat or cool the cup holder body 120. More specifically, the thermal means 240 is configured to heat or cool the contents of the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130 positioned within the cup holder body 120. In this embodiment, the thermal means 240 is incorporated into the cup holder body 120. It will be understood that the thermal means can take different forms e.g., integrated heating elements and / or cooling components. Advantageously, incorporating the thermal means 240 into the cup holder body 120 enhances the functionality of the cup holder system 100, providing users with the option to enjoy beverages at their preferred temperature. In some embodiments, the thermal means may also be configured to detect the temperature of the contents of the one or more drinking vessels 130, 132. This involves incorporating temperature-sensing elements, such as thermocouples or infrared temperature sensors, strategically within the cup holder body 120 or around its periphery. These sensors are designed to detect and measure the thermal energy emitted by the drinking vessels 130, 132. When a vessel is placed in the cup holder, the sensors gauge the temperature of its surface or contents. The collected temperature data is then relayed to the cup holder control unit 104. This information not only facilitates realtime monitoring of the beverage's temperature but also enables the implementation of responsive actions. For instance, the cup holder control unit 104 may determine that the contents of a drinking vessel are hot and thus a spillage of the contents must be prevented (further described with reference to Figures 7 and 8). The sensors 102 include a camera 216, LiDAR 218, GPS 220, an accelerometer 222, an ultrasound sensor 224, an infrared sensor 224 and a pressure sensor 228. Although not explicitly mentioned, a skilled person would recognise that the vehicle 200 may comprise any number of other sensors (for example, the thermocouples or infrared temperature sensors in the thermal means). In some embodiments some of the above-mentioned sensors may be omitted or additional sensors may be added as needed. The examples of the sensors 102 shown in Figure 2 are merely exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. The sensors 102 are configured to directly detect or indirectly determine a wide range real-life conditions and aspects. More specifically, the sensors 102 allow the vehicle 200 to understand and respond to its environment in order navigate and to maximize safety. The GPS 220 may be used to determine the vehicle's 200 latitude, longitude and / or altitude. The accelerometer 222 and a gyroscope (not shown) may be configured to determine the current orientation of the vehicle 102 and changes of speed in any direction. The camera system 216, the LiDAR sensor 218, the ultrasound sensor 224 and the infrared sensor 226 may be used for detecting objects external to the vehicle 200 such as other vehicles, obstacles in the roadway, traffic signals, signs, trees, etc. In this manner, the sensors 102 may be configured to detect, determine, or predict a car accident, a sudden change in acceleration or orientation and other predetermined events. The sensors 102 are also used to determine a height of the first drinking vessel 132 and optionally the second drinking vessel 130. In one example, the infrared sensor 226 is used to determine the height of the first 132 and / or the second drinking vessel 130. The infrared sensor 226 comprises an emitter and a receiver. The sensor 226 emits infrared light beams toward the cup holder body 120 which is configured to receive one or more drinking vessels 132, 130. As a drinking vessel 132, 130 is inserted into the first recess 122 or the second recess 126, the infrared light interacts with the vessel's surface, reflecting and absorbing accordingly. The uppermost part of the vessel, such as the rim or lid, interrupts or reflects a greater proportion of the infrared light (as compared to situation in which no object is placed in the path of the infrared light beam). The infrared receiver captures these variations in reflected light intensity. Through signal processing, the sensor 102 analyses these signals, employing algorithms to pinpoint the moment of reflection change, thereby identifying the uppermost part of the drinking vessel 132, 130. Calibration parameters account for diverse vessel materials and colours, and thresholds are established to determine the sensor's 102 interpretation of the uppermost point. In this embodiment, the infrared sensor 226 is fitted below the threshold height 150, i.e., below the vertical level of the lid 108 in the closed position. The skilled person would appreciate that other sensors 102 or combinations of sensors 102 may be used to determine the height of the drinking vessels 132, 130. For example, the camera 216 may be used to capture images of the cup holder body 120, including the area in which the drinking vessels 130, 132 are positioned. The system utilises image processing algorithms to analyse these visual data and identify distinctive features, particularly the uppermost part of the vessel, such as the rim or lid. The camera's 216 ability to capture detailed spatial information allows for precise height estimation based on the identified features within the images. Other sensors 102, which may be used to detect the height of the first and second drinking vessels 130, 132 include capacitive sensors, optical sensors, ultrasound sensors 224 and / or load cells. A skilled person would readily recognise how the above sensors could be used to detect the height of the drinking vessels 130, 132. The vehicle computer 202 may be configured to receive data from the sensors 102 and control the operation of the height adjustment mechanism 118, the lid actuator 118, the thermal means 240 and the lid locking mechanism 128. The vehicle computer 202 may comprise a processor 210, a memory 204, a communication system 212, a user interface 214 (e.g. a graphical user interface (GUI)) and other components (not shown for the sake of simplicity) typically present in general purpose computers. The memory 204 may comprise an operating system (OS) 206, the cup holder control unit 104 and a database 208. The operating system (OS) 206 serves as the core software that manages and controls the computer's 202 hardware and software resources. It facilitates various tasks such as process management, memory allocation, file system operations, and device management. As previously mentioned, the cup holder control system 104 is configured to control the operation of the cup holder components 106 based on the information received from the sensors 102. The database 208 may comprise any other data which is stored in the memory 204 of the vehicle 202. The memory 204 stores information accessible by processor 210, including instructions and data that may be executed or otherwise used by the processor 210. The memory 204 includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 210, cause the computer vehicle computer 202 to perform, or assist in performing, any of the methods described with reference to Figures 9, 10 and 11. The memory 204 may be of any type capable of storing information accessible by the processor, including a computer-readable medium, or other medium that stores data that may be read with the aid of an electronic device, such as a hard-drive, memory card, ROM, RAM, DVD or other optical disks, as well as other write-capable and readonly memories. Systems and methods may include different combinations of the foregoing, whereby different portions of the instructions and data are stored on different types of media. The processor 210 may be any conventional processor, such as a microprocessor or a microcontroller. Alternatively, the processor 210 may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC. Although Figure 2 functionally illustrates the processor 210, memory 204, and the communication system 212 as being within the same block, it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the processor and memory may actually comprise multiple processors and memories that may or may not be stored within the same physical housing. For example, rather than being stored in the same computer, processor 210 and memory 204 may be stored in separate devices. Although references to a processor or memory herein will assume that the processor and memory are affixed to the vehicle 200, such references will be understood to include references to a collection of processors or computers or memories that may or may not operate in parallel and may or may not be located within or affixed to the vehicle 200. The communication system 212 may comprise one or more wireless transmitters and receivers which communicate with the sensors 102, the height adjustment mechanism 118, the lid actuator 110, the thermal means 240 and / or the lid locking mechanism 128 over various types of networks. Additionally or alternatively, the communication system 212 may be configured to control the exchange of data over a wired connection between any of the above-mentioned components. The user interface 214 may comprise a GUI. This user interface 214 serves as the control hub, offering an intuitive platform for users to interact with and optionally control the lid actuator 110, the height adjustment mechanism 118, the thermal means 240 and the lid locking mechanism 128. Through the GUI, users can effortlessly navigate and input commands, influencing the opening and closing of the lid 108, the locking of the lid 108, the heating or cooling of the drinking vessels 132, 130 as well as adjusting the height of the cup holder body 120. The graphical representation enhances user experience, providing clear and accessible controls. It will be understood that in other embodiments, the user may be able to control the operation of the cup holder system 100 using a phone, a computer, a tablet, a wearable device, or any other user equipment connected (through a wireless or wired connection) to the vehicle computer 202. The operation of the height adjustment mechanism 118 will now be described in more detail with the reference to Figures 3a to 6d. In all these figures the cup holder system 100 is incorporated into the vehicle 200 and the cup holder components 106 are embedded within a vehicle console 302. Figures 3a to 3c show schematic diagrams of a first example of an operation of the cup holder system 100 holding the first 132 and the second drinking vessels 130. In this embodiment, the first drinking vessel 132 is identical to the second drinking vessel 130. Additionally, in this embodiment, the cup holder body 120 comprises a monolithic, integral structure (i.e., the cup holder body 120 does not comprise the separate first portion 120a and the second portion 120b). Figure 3a shows the cup holder body 120 in the lowest vertical position. In this position, the cup holder body 120 is positioned at the base of the vehicle console 302. Line G represents a vertical position 350 of a sensor (for example, the infrared sensor 226), portion D shows the lid 108 in the closed position, portion C shows the lid 108 in the open position. The lid 108 comprises an underside (or lower surface) 304. The threshold height 150 is positioned just below (i.e., less than 1mm, less than 2mm, less than 5mm or less than 10mm) the underside 304 of the lid 108 in the closed position. The vertical position 350 of the sensor 102 may comprise an “optimal” vertical position for the uppermost parts of the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130. The optimal vertical position may be predetermined by the user. The optimal vertical position may be no more than 5cm, 2cm or 1cm below the threshold height 150. In the optimal vertical position, the one or more drinking vessels 130,132 may be easily reachable by the user. Line 300 comprises a sight line, which demonstrates the ability of the vehicle occupant to see the drinking vessels 132, 130 and reach in to remove the drinking vessels 132, 130. In the position shown in Figure 3a, the first drinking vessel 132 and the second drinking vessel 130 may be hard to retrieve by the user. This is because the drinking vessels 130, 132 are positioned too deep within the vehicle console 302. Figure 3b shows the cup holder body 120 in a neutral vertical position. The neutral vertical position may comprise a mid-point position between an uppermost vertical position of the cup holder body 120 and the lowermost vertical position of the cup holder body 120 (shown in Figure 3a). In other words, the neutral vertical position may be positioned in the middle of the vertical range y 1 of the cup-holder body 120. In some embodiments, the cup holder body 120 is automatically moved to the neutral vertical position if both drinking vessels 132, 130 are not present within the cup holder body 120. In some embodiments, the neutral vertical position may comprise the lowest vertical position shown in Figure 3a. The cup holder body 120 is moved from the position in Figure 3a to the position in Figure 3b using the height adjustment mechanism 118. In this embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 118 comprises an actuator (not shown) operatively connected to the cup holder body 120. The actuator is configured to move the cup holder body 120 along the vertical y (shown in Figure 1). The actuator may comprise a linear actuator. The linear actuator may comprise an electro-mechanical linear actuator. The electro-mechanical linear actuator may comprise an electric motor connected to: a lead screw, a rack-and-pinion style mechanism, a scissor-lift mechanism, a telescopic mechanism and / or a cam-and-follower mechanism. In some embodiments the linear actuator may comprise a hydraulic linear actuator, a telescopic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator and / or a piezoelectric linear actuator. The linear actuator may be positioned within the cup holder system 100, such that the extension or retraction of the linear actuator translates into a corresponding adjustment in the height the cup holder body 120. Figure 3c shows the cup holder body 120 in an uppermost vertical position. In this position, the uppermost parts of both the first drinking vessel 132 and the second drinking vessel 130 are level with the optimal vertical position 350. Since the top of the first drinking vessel 132 and the top of the second drinking vessel 130 are positioned below the threshold height 150, the lid 108 is still able to move from the open position C into the closed position D without being blocked by the drinking vessels 132, 130. In this position, the uppermost parts of both the first drinking vessel 132 and the second drinking vessel 130 are positioned between l-5cm below the underside 304 of the lid 108. The cup holder body 120 is moved from the position shown in Figure 3b to the position shown in Figure 3c using the height adjustment mechanism 118 in the same manner as described with reference to Figure 3b. Advantageously, in position shown in Figure 3c, the user can easily withdraw the first drinking vessel 132 and / or the second drinking vessel 130 from the cup holder body 120. Additionally, since the tops of the drinking vessels 132, 130 are positioned below the threshold height 150, the lid 108 can be readily moved into the closed position D in case of a vehicle accident or other predetermined event (as will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 11). Figures 4a to 4c show schematic diagrams of a second example of an operation of the cup holder system 100 holding the first 132 and the second drinking vessels 130. Figures 4a to 4c closely correspond to the previously described Figures 3a to 3c, respectively. More specifically, the positions of the cup holder body 120 are identical to the positions shown in Figures 3a-3c. However, in this embodiment, the cup holder body 120 comprises the separate first portion 120a and the second portion 120b. The first portion 120a comprises the first recess 122 for receiving the first drinking vessel 132 and the second portion 120b comprises the second recess 126 for receiving the second drinking vessel 130. In this embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 118 comprises a first actuator (not shown) operatively connected to the first portion 120a of the cup holder body 120 and a second actuator (not shown) operatively connected to the second portion 120b of the cup holder body 120. These actuators operate in the same manner as the single actuator described with reference to Figures 3a-3c. The first portion 120a of the cup holder body 120 is configured to move completely independently from the second portion 120b of the cup holder body 120. In this embodiment, since the first drinking vessel 132 and the second drinking vessel 130 are identical, the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b always remain at the same vertical height. However, since the height adjustment mechanism allows for independent adjustment of height for each of the first and second portions 120a, 120b of the cup holder body 120, the uppermost part of the drinking vessels 132,130 in either portion 120a, 120b can be adjusted to a different position (as described with reference to Figures 6a-6d). Figures 5a to 5d show schematic diagrams of a first example of an operation of the cup holder system 100 holding the first 132 and a third drinking vessel 500. In this embodiment, the first drinking vessel 132 is different to the third drinking vessel 500. More specifically, the third drinking vessel 500 is taller than the first drinking vessel 132. Additionally, in this embodiment, the cup holder body 120 comprises a monolithic, integral structure (i.e., the cup holder body 120 does not comprise the separate first portion 120a and the second portion 120b). Figure 5a shows the cup holder body 120 in the lowest vertical position. In this position, the cup holder body 120 is positioned at the base of the vehicle console 302. Like in Figures 3a-4c: line G represents the vertical position 350 of a sensor (for example, the infrared sensor 226), portion D shows the lid 108 in the closed position, portion C shows the lid 108 in the open position and the lid 108 comprises the underside (or lower surface) 304. The vertical position 350 of the sensor 102 may comprise an “optimal” vertical position for the uppermost parts of the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130. In this position, the first drinking vessel 132 and the third drinking vessel 500 may be hard to retrieve by the user. This is because the drinking vessels 500, 132 are positioned too deep within the vehicle console 302. Figure 5b shows the cup holder body 120 in a first intermediate position. In this position, an uppermost portion of the third drinking vessel 500 is level with the optimal vertical position 350. In this position, the third drinking vessel 500 is positioned between l-5cm below the underside 304 of the lid 108. Advantageously, in the position shown in Figure 5b, the third drinking vessel 500 may be easily retrievable from the cup holder body 120 by the user. Additionally, since the top of both the third drinking vessel 500 and the first drinking vessel 132 remain below the threshold height, the lid 108 can readily move from the open position C into the closed position D. If the cup holder body 120 is moved any higher, the third drinking vessel 500 will block the lid 108 from moving into the closed position D. The cup holder body 120 is moved from the position in Figure 5a to the position in Figure 5b using the height adjustment mechanism 118. In this embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 118 comprises a single actuator (not shown) operatively connected to the cup holder body 120. The aspects and function of this actuator is identical to those described with reference to Figure 3b. Figure 5c shows the cup holder body 120 in the neutral vertical position. The neutral vertical position may comprise a mid-point position between an uppermost vertical position of the cup holder body 120 (shown in Figure 5d) and the lowermost vertical position of the cup holder body 120 (shown in Figure 5a). In other words, the neutral vertical position is positioned in the middle of the vertical range yl of the cupholder body 120. In some embodiments, the neutral vertical position may comprise the lowest vertical position shown in Figure 5a. Due to the height of the third drinking vessel 500, the top of the third drinking vessel 500 blocks the lid 108 from moving into the closed position D when the cup holder body 120 is in the neutral position. When this is detected by the sensors 102 (e.g., the infrared sensor 226), the cup holder control unit 104 may be configured to alert the user (e.g., sound an alarm or show a warning on the GUI 214) and automatically instruct the height adjustment mechanism 118 to move the cup holder body 120 into the position shown in Figure 5b. Alternatively, in a second mode of operation, a user can manually override the cup holder control unit 104 to maintain the cup holder body 120 in the position shown in Figure 5c. This manual override feature may only be used in safe conditions. For example, the second mode of operation may only be used when the vehicle 200 is stationary or when the vehicle 200 is moving below a threshold speed. Alternatively, the second mode of operation may only be used when the first 132 and the third 500 drinking vessels do not contain a hot substance. This safety precaution ensures that users can exercise manual control only when it poses minimal risk and distraction. This second mode of operation may be convenient for a user since the first drinking vessel 132 is relatively small and would otherwise be hard to extract from the cupholder if the third drinking vessel 500 were to be maintained below the threshold height. Figure 5d shows the cup holder body 120 in an uppermost vertical position. In this position, the uppermost parts of both the first drinking vessel 132 and the third drinking vessel 500 are above the threshold height 150. Since the top of the first drinking vessel 132 and the top of the third drinking vessel 500 are positioned above the threshold height 150, the lid 108 is not able to move from the open position C into the closed position D. Once again, when this is detected by the sensors 102 (e.g., the infrared sensor 226), the cup holder control unit 104 may be configured to alert the user (e.g., sound an alarm or show a warning on the GUI 214) and automatically instruct the height adjustment mechanism 118 to move the cup holder body 120 into the position shown in Figure 5b. Alternatively, in the second mode of operation, the user can manually override the cup holder control unit 104 and maintain the cup holder body 120 in the position shown in Figure 5d (as described with reference to Figure 5c). Advantageously, in position shown in Figure 5d, the user can easily withdraw the first drinking vessel 132 and / or the third drinking vessel 500 from the cup holder body 120. This function is especially useful when the first drinking vessel comprises a small container (e.g., an espresso cup) which would otherwise be very hard to retrieve when the cup holder body 120 is in position shown in Figure 5b. The cup holder body 120 is moved between the positions shown in Figure 5a to 5d using the height adjustment mechanism 118 in the same manner as described with reference to Figure 3b. Figures 6a to 6d show schematic diagrams of a second example of an operation of the cup holder system 100 holding the first 132 and the third drinking vessels 500. Figure 6a closely corresponds to the Figure 5a, Figure 6b closely corresponds to the Figure 5c and Figure 6d closely corresponds to the Figure 6d. For the sake of conciseness, common features of these figures are not repeated. In this embodiment, the cup holder body 120 comprises the separate first portion 120a and the second portion 120b. The first portion 120a comprises the first recess 122 for receiving the first drinking vessel 132 and the second portion 120b comprises the second recess 126 for receiving the third drinking vessel 500. In this embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 118 comprises a first actuator (not shown) operatively connected to the first portion 120a of the cup holder body 120 and a second actuator (not shown) operatively connected to the second portion 120b of the cup holder body 120. These actuators operate in the same manner as the single actuator described with reference to Figures 5a-5d. The first portion 120a of the cup holder body 120 is configured to move completely independently from the second portion 120b of the cup holder body 120. This feature is best shown in Figure 6c. In this Figure, the first portion 120a is positioned at a different vertical height than the second portion 120b, such that the uppermost portions of the first drinking vessel 132 and the third drinking vessel 500 are level and they are both below the threshold height 150. In this embodiment the uppermost portions of the first drinking vessel 132 and the third drinking vessel 500 are level with the optimal vertical position 350. If the sensors 102 determine that the drinking vessels 132, 500 are in positions shown in Figures 6b or 6d, the cup holder control unit 104 may instruct the height adjustment mechanism 118 to automatically move the first 120a and second 120b portions of the cup holder body 120 into the position shown in Figure 6c (unless the cup holder control unit 104 is operating in the second mode described above). Figure 7 shows a plan view of the first example of the cup holder system 100. More specifically, Figure 7 shows an operation of the lid actuator 110 when the cup holder body 120 comprises a monolithic (integral structure). In view 01, the lid 108 is in the open position. In the open position, an opening of the first recess 122 and the opening of the second recess 126 are accessible to the user. In view Pl, the lid is in a partially closed position. In the partially closed position, the opening of the second recess 126 is covered and the opening of the first recess 122 is accessible. In some embodiments, the cup holder control unit 104 may be configured to determine that only the second recess 126 needs to be covered during a predetermined event (described with reference to Figures 9 to 11). For example, the cup holder control unit 104 may come to the above determination when it receives signals from the sensors 102 the second drinking vessel 130 (which is in the second recess 126) contains a hot liquid which would be harmful if spilled but the other drinking vessel 132, 500 (which is in the first recess 122) is empty. In view Cl, the lid 108 is in the closed position. In the closed position, both the opening of the first recess 122 and the second recess 126 are covered. The lid 108 is moveable between positions in 01, Pl and Cl via the lid actuator 110. Figure 8 shows a plan view of the second example of the cup holder system 100. More specifically, Figure 8 shows an operation of the lid actuator 110 when the cup holder body 120 comprises the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b. In view 02, the lid 108 is in the open position. In the open position, an opening of the first recess 122 and the opening of the second recess 126 are accessible to the user. In view P2, the lid is in the partially closed position. In the partially closed position, the opening of the second recess 126 is covered and the opening of the first recess 122 is accessible. In view C2, the lid 108 is in the closed position. In the closed position, both the opening of the first recess 122 and the second recess 126 are covered. The lid 108 is moveable between positions in 02, P2 and C2 via the lid actuator 110. Figure 9 shows a flow diagram of a method 900 of operating the cup holder system 100. The method 900 begins at a block 901, in which the user activates a vehicle opening sequence through pre-defined triggers. The pre-defined triggers may include the user opening the vehicle 200, the user unlocking the vehicle 200, the user approaching the vehicle 200 and / or the user sitting down in the driver’s seat of the vehicle 200. The vehicle computer 202 may be configured to detect that the user has sat down in the driver’s seat using the pressure sensors 228 and / or the camera 216. At block 902, the cup holder control unit 104 instructs the lid actuator 110 to move the lid 108 into the open position and the lid moves into the open position (shown in views 01 and 02 in Figures 7 and 8 respectively). The cup holder control unit 104 may instructs the lid actuator 110 to move the lid 108 into the open position as part of the opening sequence mentioned at block 901. Step 902 is advantageous, since it ensures that the first 122 and second 126 recesses within the cup holder body 120 are readily accessible in advance of the user entering the vehicle 200. This allows the user to easily place one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 in the cup holder body 120 without having to manually move or instruct the cup holder control unit 104 to move, the lid 108 into the open position (which may be especially difficult when holding one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500). At block 904, the cup holder body 120 moves into the neutral position (shown in Figures 3b, 4b, 5c and 6b). The cup holder body 120 may move into this neutral position ahead of receiving one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500. The neutral position may comprise a “default” position of the cup holder body 120 when no drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 are placed within the cup holder body 120. In some embodiments, the neutral vertical position may comprise the lowest vertical position shown in Figures 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a. At block 906, the vehicle computer 202 (more specifically, the cup holder control unit 104) determines whether the drinking vessel 132, 130, 500 has been inserted into the cup holder body 120. The vehicle computer 202 may make the above determination using data from the one or more sensors 102. If the vehicle computer 202 determines that one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 have been inserted into the cup holder body 120, the method 900 moves to step A. If the vehicle computer 202 determines that no drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 have been inserted into the cup holder body 120, the method 900 moves to block 916. At block 916, the vehicle computer 202 determines whether a vehicle ignition has been switched off. If the ignition has been switched off the method 900 moves to block 920. If the ignition has not been switched off the method 900 moves to block 918. At block 918, the cup holder control unit 104 determines whether a request to close the lid 108 has been received. A vehicle user may request that the lid 108 be move into the closed or partially closed position (shown in views Pl, P2, Cl, C2 in Figures 7 and 8) using the user interface 214. If a request to close the lid 108 has been received by the cup holder control unit 104, the method 900 moves to block 920. If a request to close the lid 108 has not been received by the cup holder control unit 104, the method 900 moves to block 904. At block 920, the cup holder control unit 104 instructs the lid actuator 110 to move the lid 108 into the closed or partially closed position and the lid moves into the closed or partially closed position (shown in views Pl, P2. Cl, C2 in Figures 7 and 8 respectively). Step A is described in more detail with reference to Figure 10. After step A, the method 900 proceeds to block 908. At block 908, at least a portion of the cup holder body 120 is moved, such that the uppermost parts of the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 present within the cup holder body 120 remain below the threshold height 150 to allow the lid 108 to be moved into the closed position (shown in Figures 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a and 6c). At block 906, the vehicle computer 202 (more specifically, the cup holder control unit 104) determines whether the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 have been removed from the cup holder body 120. The vehicle computer 202 may make the above determination using data from the one or more sensors 102. If the vehicle computer 202 determines that one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 have been removed from the cup holder body 120, the method 900 moves to block 912. If the vehicle computer 202 determines that the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 have not been removed from the cup holder body 120, the method 900 moves to block 914. At block 912, the vehicle computer 202 (more specifically, the cup holder control unit 104) determines whether the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 have been returned to the cup holder body 120 within a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amount of time may comprise 30 seconds, 1 minute, less than 2 minutes, less than 5 minutes, or less than 10 minutes. If the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 have been returned to the cup holder body 120 within the predetermined amount of time, the method proceeds to block 914. If the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 have not been returned to the cup holder body 120 within the predetermined amount of time, the method proceeds to block 904. At block 914, the cup holder body 120 is maintained at the same position (i.e., the cup holder body 120 is not moved into a different vertical position using the height adjustment mechanism 118). Figure 10 shows a flow diagram of the step A depicted in Figure 9. Step A begins at block 1000. At block 1000, one or more sensors 102 determine a height of the drinking vessel 132, 130, 500 placed in the cup holder body 120. For example, the one or more sensors 102 may determine the height of each of the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 placed in the cup holder body. In some examples, the infrared sensor 226 and / or the camera 216 are used to determine the height of each of the one or more drinking vessels 132, 130, 500. At block 1002, the cup holder control unit 104 receives an indication of the height of the drinking vessel 132, 130, 500 from the one or more sensors 102. For example, the cup holder control unit 104 may receive an indication of the height of each of the drinking vessels 132, 130, 500 in the cup holder body 120 from the one or more sensors 102. This indication may be transmitted from the one or more sensors 102 to the cup holder control unit 104 via a first signal over the first communication link 136. At block 104, the cup holder control unit 104 sends a second signal to the height adjustment mechanism (e.g., over the third communication link 138). The second signal instructs the height adjustment mechanism 118 to move at least a portion of the cup holder body 120 such that an uppermost part of the drinking vessel 132, 130, 500 remains below the threshold height 150 to allow the lid 108 to be moved into the closed position. Figure 11 shows a flow diagram of a method 1100 of automatically closing the lid 108 of the cup holder system 100. The method 1100 can happen at any point during the method 900. The method 1100 begins at block 1101, where the cup holder control unit 104 receives an indication of a predetermined event from the vehicles’ 200 onboard sensors 102. The predetermined event may comprise: a car accident, a sudden change in acceleration of the vehicle 200, a sudden change in the direction of the vehicle 200, a speed of the vehicle 200 increasing above a certain threshold, a change in a drive mode setting of the vehicle 200, the user leaving the vehicle 200, the user entering the vehicle 200, the vehicle’s 200 airbags being deployed etc. At block 1102, the cup holder control unit 104 sends a signal to the lid actuator 110 which controls the movement of the lid 108. The signal instructs the lid actuator 110 to move the lid 108 into the closed or partially closed position (shown in views Pl, P2, Cl, C2 in Figures 7 and 8 respectively). At block 1204, the lid actuator 110 move the lid 108 into the closed or partially closed position (shown in views Pl, P2, Cl, C2 in Figures 7 and 8 respectively). As previously explained, method 1100 improves the safety of the cup holder system 100. It will be understood that the invention has been described above purely by way of example, and that modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the claims. Although the cup holder system has been described with reference to specific applications in the autonomous vehicle industry, it should be appreciated that the cup holder system can be used in other contexts and industries. The methods shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11 can be performed by instructions stored on a processor-readable medium. The processor-readable medium may be: a read-only memory (including a PROM, EPROM or EEPROM); random access memory; a flash memory; an electrical, electromagnetic or optical signal; a magnetic, optical or magneto-optical storage medium; one or more registers of a processor; or any other type of processor-readable medium. In alternative embodiments, the present disclosure can be implemented as control logic in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the sequence of operations shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11 are merely exemplary. Any of the operations shown in these methods 900, 1100 may be performed in a different order that achieves substantially the same result.

Claims

1. A cup holder system comprising:a cup holder body for receiving a drinking vessel;a lid moveable between an open and a closed position, the lid being configured to cover the cup holder body in the closed position;a sensor for determining a height of the drinking vessel;a height adjustment mechanism configured to move at least a portion of the cup holder body; anda control unit configured to receive signals from the sensor and control the operation of the height adjustment mechanism based on the signals, wherein in a first mode of operation the control unit ensures that an uppermost part of the drinking vessel remains below a threshold height to allow the lid to be moved into the closed position.

2. A cup holder system according to claim 1, wherein the height adjustment mechanism is automated.

3. A cup holder system according to 2, wherein the height adjustment mechanism comprises at least one actuator operatively connected to the cup holder body.

4. A cup holder system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup holder body comprises a first portion comprising a first recess for receiving a first drinking vessel and a second portion comprising a second recess for receiving a second drinking vessel.

5. A cup holder system according to claim 4, wherein the height adjustment mechanism is configured to move the first portion of the cup holder body independently of moving the second portion of the cup holder body.

6. A cup holder system according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the sensor is configured to determine both a height of the first drinking vessel and a height of the second drinking vessel.

7. A cup holder system according to claim 5 and claim 6, wherein the height adjustment mechanism is configured to move the first portion of the cup holder body and the second portion of the cup holder body such that an uppermost part of the first drinking vessel is level with an uppermost part of the second drinking vessel, the first drinking vessel having a different height than the second drinking vessel.

8. A cup holder system according to claim 5 as dependent on claims 4 and 3, wherein the height adjustment mechanism comprises a first actuator operatively connected to the first portion of the cup holder body and a second actuator operatively connected to the second portion of the cup holder body.

9. A cup holder system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height adjustment mechanism is configured to move at least a portion of the cup holder body such that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel is positioned no more than 5cm below the lid in the closed position.

10. A cup holder system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lid actuator configured to move the lid between the open position and the closed position.

11. A cup holder system according to claim 10, wherein the control unit isconfigured to control the lid actuator.

12. A cup holder system according to claim 11, wherein the control unit is configured to receive signals from a vehicle’s onboard sensors, and in response to receiving an indication a predetermined event, automatically move the lid into the closed position.

13. A cup holder system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit further comprises a user interface for allowing a user to interact with the control unit.

14. A cup holder system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in a second mode of operation the control unit is operable to override the first mode of operation and move or maintain the uppermost part of the drinking vessel above the threshold height.

15. A cup holder system according at any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor comprises a camera and / or an infrared sensor.

16. A cup holder system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lid comprises a vehicle armrest.

17. A cup holder system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a thermal means for heating or cooling the cup holder body.

18. A cup holder system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to secure the lid in the closed position.

19. A vehicle comprising the cup holder system according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. A vehicle console comprising the cup holder system according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A method for operating a cup holder system, the method comprising:determining, by a sensor, a height of a drinking vessel placed in a cup holder body;receiving, by a control unit and from the sensor, a first signal indicating the height of the drinking vessel;sending, by a control unit and to a height adjustment mechanism, a second signal instructing the height adjustment mechanism to move at least a portion of the cup holder body such that an uppermost part of the drinking vessel remains below a threshold height to allow a lid to be moved into a closed position, the lid being moveable between an open and the closed position, wherein the lid is configured to cover the cup holder body in the closed position.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein:determining the height of the drinking vessel comprises determining that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel protrudes above the threshold height and the second signal is configured to instruct the height adjustment mechanism to move at least a portion of the cup holder body downwards such that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel remains below the threshold height; ordetermining the height of the drinking vessel comprises determining that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel is below a predetermined height and the second signal is configured to instruct the height adjustment mechanism to move at least aportion of the cup holder body upwards such that the uppermost part of the drinking vessel is above the predetermined height and below the threshold height.

23. A method according to claim 21 or claim 22, further comprising:receiving, by the control unit and from a vehicle’s onboard sensors, an indication of a predetermined event;sending, by the control unit and to a lid actuator controlling the movement of the lid, instructions to move the lid into the closed position; andmoving, by the lid actuator, the lid into the closed position.

24. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:determining, by the sensor, that a drinking vessel has been removed from the cup holder body and not returned to the cup holder body within a predetermined period of time;sending, by the sensor and to the control unit, a third signal indicating that a drinking vessel is not present in the cup holder body;sending, by the control unit and to the lid actuator, instructions to move the lid into the closed position.

25. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup holder body comprises a first portion comprising a first recess for receiving a first drinking vessel and a second portion comprising a second recess for receiving a second drinking vessel, the method further comprising:determining, by the sensor, a height of the first drinking vessel and a height of the second drinking vessel;moving, by the height adjustment mechanism, the first portion of the cup holder body and the second portion of the cup holder body such that an uppermost part of thefirst drinking vessel and an uppermost part of the second drinking vessel both remain below the threshold height.

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