Adjustable Cup Holder Assembly with Drag Bar Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle drivers of varying heights face inconvenience due to stationary cup holders in the map pocket of vehicle doors, which are not adjustable and thus not optimally positioned for reachability.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cup holder assembly is introduced, featuring a guide track, drag bar, and actuator mechanism that allows the cup holder to be moved fore and aft within the map pocket, enabling secure positioning through a spring-biased locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a stationary cup holder is molded in place in the map pocket, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different driver positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is transformed from a stationary molded-in-place component to a movable assembly that can be adjusted fore and aft along a guide track. The drag bar mechanism with spring-loaded drag allows the cup holder to be positioned at different locations within the map pocket, providing adaptability to different driver seating positions while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular components.
2Device complexity
If a stationary cup holder is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ease of operation for drivers of varying heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder assembly incorporates a simple drag bar mechanism with spring-loaded drag that enables easy fore and aft adjustment. The drag engages with spaced ribs on the drag bar to secure the cup holder at various positions, providing ease of operation for drivers of different heights without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cup holder is made adjustable along the guide track, then the adaptability to different driver positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism uses a simple drag bar with spring-loaded drag that engages with spaced ribs on the drag bar. This straightforward mechanical design allows the cup holder to be adjusted fore and aft along the guide track while minimizing the complexity of the adjustment mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded drag automatically engages with the drag bar to secure the cup holder at the desired position without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex controls. The system self-secures through the spring bias, reducing the overall complexity of the adjustment mechanism.
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
The adjustable cup holder assembly ensures improved accessibility and convenience for drivers by allowing customizable placement within the map pocket, accommodating different driver heights and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring may be provided that biases the lever arm into a locking position
Implementation Method 2
a spring may be provided for biasing the drag into engagement with the drag bar whereby the cup holder may be secured in any of the multiple positions
Implementation Method 3
the drag bar may include a series of spaced ribs. In such an embodiment, the drag engages and holds the drag bar in spaces defined between the spaced ribs
Implementation Method 4
the actuator includes a lever arm that pivots about a pivot carried on the body
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable cup holder assembly is provided. That adjustable cup holder assembly includes a support having a guide track and a drag bar. The adjustable cup holder also includes a cup holder having (a) a body including a well, (b) an actuator and (c) a drag. The cup holder may be displaced along the guide track and secured in various positions on the support by engaging the drag bar. A motor vehicle door including a cup holder with an adjustment mechanism for displacing the cup holder along the body of the door between multiple positions is also disclosed.