Adjustable Cup Holder Adapter for Mixed Container Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cup holders are often of fixed size, leading to issues with accommodating containers of varying shapes and sizes, resulting in spills, damage to surrounding materials, and frustration for users, especially when trying to fit tall or handled items.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder adapter with adjustable binding posts and arcuate arms that can expand to fit different sizes and shapes, secured with a pressure boss and adjustment screw, providing a non-slip surface with a rubber band to prevent spills and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cup holders are made of fixed size, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but they cannot accommodate containers of varying shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is divided into a base and multiple adjustable arms that can independently position themselves to accommodate different container shapes and sizes. The arms can be segmented into different lengths and configurations to adapt to various container geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder employs dynamic arms that can adjust their position and angle to match different container shapes. The arms are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration based on the container being held.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cup holders are enlarged to fit taller containers, then tall bottles can be accommodated, but surrounding materials may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder structure is segmented into a compact base and extendable arms. The arms can be adjusted to reach tall containers without requiring the entire cup holder structure to be enlarged, thus protecting surrounding materials from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable arms act as intermediaries between the base and tall containers. These arms can be positioned to make contact with containers at optimal points, distributing forces and preventing damage to both the container and surrounding materials.
3Reliability
If cup holders are made smaller to secure containers, then containers are held more securely, but they become too tight for larger containers
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder employs dynamically adjustable arms that can change their position and applied force based on the container size. For smaller containers, the arms can be positioned closer together to provide secure holding, while for larger containers, the arms can be spread apart to accommodate the increased dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder allows changes in geometric parameters of the arms (position, angle, distance from base) to adapt to different container sizes. This enables the same structure to provide secure holding for small containers while also accommodating larger containers by adjusting the arm configuration.
4Reliability
If fixed-size cup holders are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but containers may move around and spill contents
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is segmented into multiple adjustable arms that can independently position themselves to make contact with the container at multiple points. This segmentation allows for better distribution of holding forces and more secure container placement, reducing the likelihood of spills.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the cup holder structure (the arms) can be adjusted to provide localized contact points optimized for specific container shapes and sizes. This local adjustability ensures that each arm can be positioned to provide optimal support and prevent movement that would lead to spills.
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
Enables secure holding of various containers and objects in a wide range of cup holders, preventing spills and damage to the holder or surrounding materials, while accommodating different shapes and sizes without damaging the cup holder.
Implementation Method 1
providing a non-slip surface with a rubber band to prevent spills
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for adapting a cup holder to securely hold a variety of objects that may be of different configurations, sizes and shapes. The apparatus comprises a lower portion with extending members for positioning the base of the apparatus within the opening of a cup holder or other open space. An upper portion is adapted to securely hold 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, as well as any other item which a user would like to hold securely and usually within arm's reach of a seating position.