Adjustable Cup Holder Assembly with Flexible Band
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holder assemblies in motor vehicles lack adjustability to accommodate occupants of varying heights, limiting their usability for individuals of different heights.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder assembly with a movable cup holder and a flexible band or spool system that allows the cup holder to adjust between multiple positions within a console opening, enabling users to customize its position based on height preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cup holder position is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate occupants of varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adjust between front and rear positions within the console opening. This dynamic positioning capability enables accommodation of occupants with different heights while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a flexible band mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible band connects the cup holder to the console structure, enabling the cup holder to move between positions. The flexible band provides the necessary connectivity and constraint while allowing motion, achieving adjustability without complex mechanical linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable cup holder with flexible band is used, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible band serves as a simple yet effective mechanism to enable cup holder movement. Rather than using complex linkages, gears, or motors, the patent employs a flexible band that naturally provides the necessary constraints and motion capability, minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible band system appears to be designed for manual operation, where the user directly moves the cup holder to the desired position. This self-service approach avoids the need for automated actuation systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving the adaptability goal.
Data Source
AI summary
A cup holder assembly includes a console with an opening, a cup holder movable within the opening between front and rear positions, and a flexible band. The flexible band is connected to front and rear ends of the cup holder such that the cup holder and band together extend to a length of the opening when the cup holder is in at least one of the front and rear positions.