Disposable Absorbent Cup Holder Insert for Spill Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle cup holders often become wet, stained, and prone to insect infestations due to spills and drips from beverages, requiring frequent cleaning and potentially damaging the interior.

Innovation Solution

A disposable cup holder insert with a cylindrical shape and absorbent interior lining made of synthetic polymer material, featuring a wide top opening to catch spills and drips, protecting the vehicle interior and reducing the need for frequent cleanups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a traditional cup holder is used, then it is simple and easy to use, but it becomes wet and stained from spills and drips

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of cup holderVSAvoidwetness and stains from spills

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An absorbent insert is placed between the cup and the cup holder interior to intercept spills and drips. The insert acts as a mediator that absorbs liquid before it reaches and stains the cup holder surface, solving the wetness problem while keeping the cup holder structure simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insert is made from porous absorbent material that can soak up liquids through capillary action. This porous structure allows the material to absorb spills and drips effectively, preventing them from reaching the cup holder interior and causing stains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Ease of operation

If spills are left in the cup holder, then no immediate action is needed, but insect infestations can occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveno immediate cleaning actionVSAvoidinsect infestations from spilled drinks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent insert converts the harmful effect of spilled liquid into a contained absorption process. By trapping spills within its porous structure, the insert prevents sugary drinks from fermenting and attracting insects, turning a potential infestation hazard into a controlled absorption function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The insert is designed as a disposable component that can be easily removed and discarded after use. This eliminates the need for cleaning and ensures that old, potentially contaminated inserts don't remain in the cup holder to attract insects or cause odors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a disposable absorbent insert is added to the cup holder, then spills are prevented and cleanliness is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of spills and stainsVSAvoidaddition of insert component

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cup holder system is segmented into two independent parts: the permanent cup holder structure and the removable absorbent insert. This segmentation allows the insert to be easily installed and removed without modifying the cup holder itself, minimizing the perceived complexity while maintaining spill prevention functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent function is extracted as a separate removable insert rather than being integrated into the cup holder structure. This extraction allows users to simply place the insert in the cup holder without any assembly or configuration, reducing the operational complexity despite adding a component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively prevents spills and drips from reaching the vehicle interior, maintaining cleanliness and preventing bacterial growth, while being environmentally friendly and disposable.

Implementation Method 1

The interior of the body component is an absorbent material to ensure that every spill or drip is caught within the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The interior of the body component is an absorbent material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS20250381903A1Cup Holder Device

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 JENNERICH STEVEN

AI summary

A cup holder device is disclosed which comprises a body component that is configured in a cylindrical shape with a wide top opening in order to catch any spill or drip from a beverage. The interior of the body component is an absorbent material to ensure that every spill or drip is caught within the device. Further, the entire body component is completely disposable and environmentally friendly. Thus, the body component is small and can be disposed of after each use.