Adjustable Cup Holder Assembly Radial Constriction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle cup holders are inefficient in terms of space usage and securement of liquid containers, as they often require excessive space under the center console and struggle to securely hold variously sized containers.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cup holder assembly with a slide mechanism, featuring a circular cam and twist top with radially formed channels and apertures, allows for the securement of variously sized items by rotating the twist top to open or close the recess, using arcuate members that slide along channels to engage and disengage with the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional cup holder designs are used, then the structure is simple, but excessive space is required under the center console
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a base with recess, a twist top that rotates independently, and multiple arcuate members that can move radially. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the overall space required while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly incorporates dynamic elements including the rotatable twist top that can rotate to different positions, and arcuate members that can radially move to open or close the recess. These dynamic features allow the cup holder to adapt its configuration to different container sizes and shapes, optimizing space utilization.
2Reliability
If traditional cup holder designs are used, then the structure is simple, but securement of variously sized containers is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate members are designed to radially move between extended and retracted positions, allowing the recess to dynamically adjust its opening size. This dynamic adjustment enables securement of variously sized containers by matching the recess opening to the container dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly changes the geometric parameters of the recess opening by rotating the twist top, which moves the arcuate members to different radial positions. This parameter change allows the same structure to accommodate different container sizes effectively.
3Reliability
If the recess is always open, then access to containers is easy, but securement of containers is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The twist top can be rotated to dynamically change the recess state between open and closed positions. When closed, the arcuate members secure the container; when opened by rotating the twist top, the container can be accessed. This dynamic mechanism provides both securement and ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate members are designed to automatically engage with the container when the twist top is rotated to the closed position, providing self-securing functionality without requiring additional fastening actions from the user.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the cup holder is designed to accommodate large containers, then versatility is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly changes the effective size of the recess opening by rotating the twist top, which moves the arcuate members to different positions. This allows the same physical structure to accommodate different container sizes by adjusting the opening parameter rather than requiring multiple fixed-size holders.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds rotational movement in a circular dimension rather than expanding the linear footprint. The arcuate members move radially inward or outward along curved paths, allowing size adjustment without increasing the overall footprint area under the center console.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable cup holder assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a circular cam including an outer body having a center recess formed thereon. The outer body includes a first surface having channels. A twist top includes an outer portion having a center opening. The outer portion includes a connecting surface having apertures. Arcuate members are disposed on the first surface. Each arcuate member comprises a first end arcuately extending to a second end and includes first and second sides. The first side has a first pin extending therefrom and slidably disposed in one of the channels. The second side has a second pin extending therefrom and disposed in one of the apertures. Each first pin is slidably movable along one of the channels when the twist top is rotated in a first or second direction, radially moving the arcuate members to open and close the recess.