Adjustable Vehicle Storage Bin for Stable Cup Holder Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cup holders are unable to accommodate larger, taller beverage containers, leading to instability and poor fit, as they are typically designed for standard-sized containers.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable storage bin with a selectively height-adjustable base member and ratchet assembly mechanisms, allowing the base member to be adjusted to various positions using gear and guide tracks, ensuring stability and compatibility with a range of container sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard cup holder compartment is designed for standard-sized beverage containers, then it provides stable support for standard containers, but it cannot accommodate larger and taller beverage containers
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder compartment incorporates a movable base member that can be adjusted to different positions along a guide track, transforming the static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the storage volume to be reconfigured for different container sizes while maintaining structural integrity through mechanical guidance and positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder is divided into separable components: a fixed bin portion and a movable base member. This segmentation allows the base member to be independently adjusted to create variable storage spaces, enabling the same structure to accommodate different container dimensions without requiring complete redesign
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base member is made movable to adjust storage volume, then adaptability to different container sizes is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A guide track serves as an intermediary element between the movable base member and the fixed bin portion. This guide track provides a predefined path that constrains and directs the movement of the base member, simplifying the adjustment mechanism by eliminating the need for complex control systems while ensuring proper positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be manually operable without requiring external power sources or complex actuation systems. The user can directly move the base member along the guide track and secure it in desired positions using simple retaining features, making the system self-sufficient and mechanically simple
3Reliability
If the base member is retained at adjustable positions using a ratchet assembly, then position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet and pawl mechanism uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The pawl is a basic latch element that provides reliable position retention through simple geometric interlocking, avoiding the need for complex electronic or hydraulic positioning systems
Data Source
AI summary
A storage bin for a vehicle includes a bin portion including storage volume defined by a plurality of walls including a base wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall, and a base member arranged in the storage volume. The base member is selectively height adjustable relative to the base wall.