Adjustable Cup Holder With Ratchet Strap and Leveling Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders lack adjustability to accommodate variously sized beverage containers, are difficult to install, and often require additional hardware or modifications, leading to instability and increased risk of spilling.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cup holder with a body, base, and an adjustable diameter ratchet strap that can accommodate different container sizes, along with a hinge system for level orientation and a folding mechanism for compact storage, which can be securely attached to various structures using a universal connector.
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 variously sized beverage containers
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder employs a flexible strap that can dynamically adjust its diameter to accommodate different sized beverage containers. The strap transitions from a fixed configuration to a flexible, adjustable one, allowing the same structure to adapt to various container sizes while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder changes the dimensional parameter of the holding structure by adjusting the strap diameter. This allows the same basic structure to accommodate containers of different sizes by simply changing the circumference parameter of the flexible strap, rather than requiring multiple fixed-size holders.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional cup holders are installed, then they provide basic holding function, but they require additional hardware and modifications leading to difficult installation
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder combines the holding function and the attachment mechanism into a single integrated structure. The flexible strap with integrated fastening components eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware, brackets, or modification tools, allowing direct installation on various surfaces without additional parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder design is universal and can be installed on multiple different surfaces and structures (chairs, tables, vehicles, etc.) without requiring surface-specific modifications or specialized hardware. The same basic structure adapts to various installation contexts, simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid cup holder structures are used, then they provide stable support, but they increase the risk of spilling when orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible strap provides dynamic adaptation to different orientations and positions. When the cup holder orientation changes, the flexible strap can adjust its angle and position to continue securing the container, preventing spills while accommodating movement that rigid structures cannot handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder uses a flexible strap instead of rigid walls or bars. This flexible element can bend and conform to different angles and orientations, maintaining secure contact with the beverage container regardless of the holder's position or tilt, thereby preventing spills while providing orientation adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an adjustable cup holder for holding a beverage container. The adjustable cup holder includes a body, a base configured to support the weight of a beverage container, an adjustable diameter ratchet strap configured to accommodate a diameter of the beverage container, and a connector. The holding portion of the cup holder may be connected to the body via a first hinge configured such that the beverage container holding portion is rotatable relative to the body about an axis to allow beverage container holding portion to hold the beverage container relatively level. The holding portion of the cup holder may be connected to the body via a hinge configured such that the beverage container holding portion is pivotable relative to the body about an axis from a use position to a stowed position.