Adjustable Cup Holder Insert for Mixed Container Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cup holders are typically of fixed size, leading to issues with accommodating containers of varying sizes and shapes, resulting in spills, damage to surrounding materials, and frustration for users, especially when trying to adapt them for larger items like tall water bottles or coffee mugs.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder adapter with adjustable binding posts and arcuate arms that can be expanded or retracted to fit different sizes and shapes of containers, using a pressure boss and adjustment screw mechanism to secure the adapter within the cup holder, and featuring a non-slip rubber band for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size cup holder is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate containers of varying sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder insert incorporates adjustable binding posts that can move between retracted and extended positions, allowing the holder to dynamically adapt its internal dimensions to accommodate containers of varying sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder is divided into a stationary outer cup holder and a movable inner insert with adjustable binding posts, allowing the inner components to be independently adjusted to fit different container dimensions without redesigning the entire structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If cup holder sleeves are used to make the cup holder smaller, then small containers can be held securely, but tall water bottles or large containers cannot fit
Solution Approach 1:
The binding posts are designed to be manually adjustable by the user, allowing transformation between a compact configuration for small containers and an expanded configuration for tall or large containers, making the system adaptable without requiring multiple different holders
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cup holder insert is removed and enlarged to accommodate bigger containers, then larger items can fit, but damage may occur to surrounding expensive wood or materials
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder system is segmented into a permanent outer cup holder and a removable inner insert with adjustable binding posts, allowing the inner components to be adjusted or replaced without affecting the surrounding expensive wood or materials in the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable binding posts act as intermediaries between the container and the cup holder structure, providing the necessary expansion and adjustment capability while protecting the surrounding expensive materials from direct contact and potential damage
4Reliability
If a fixed-depth cup holder is used, then the structure is simple, but shallow holders allow containers to be easily knocked out onto the floor or seat
Solution Approach 1:
The binding posts can be adjusted to different depths and positions, allowing the cup holder to dynamically adapt its retention characteristics to match the size and shape of the inserted container, providing reliable containment without requiring a completely complex adjustable depth mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for securely holding objects, including but not limited to stemware such as wine glasses, an ash tray, coffee mugs, other oversized or small beverage containers, a portable lamp, a portable music player such as an iPod or other MP3 player, a portable computing device including but not limited to an iPhone or other smart phone, an iPad or other tablet computer, a laptop computer, a Kindle or other electronic reader, a vase, as well as any other item which a user would like to hold securely.