Adjustable Vehicle Cupholder With Expandable Base and Offset Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cupholders in vehicles lack flexibility in accommodating different sizes and shapes of beverage containers, and there is a need for adjustable features to enhance usability and stability.
Innovation Solution
A cupholder system with an adaptable base and removable spacers that allow for adjustable diameter expansion and on-center or off-center positioning, along with multiple fasteners for secure attachment, enabling versatile fitment to various container sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size cupholder is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but it cannot accommodate different sizes and shapes of beverage containers
Solution Approach 1:
The cupholder is divided into multiple functional components: an adaptable base with expandable legs, removable spacers, and a cupholder section. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively providing versatility for different container sizes without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptable base incorporates legs that can expand and retract to change the envelope diameter dynamically. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the cupholder to adapt to different container sizes, transforming a static structure into a flexible one that maintains simplicity through controlled movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adaptable base with expandable legs is used, then adaptability to different container sizes is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion mechanism is segmented into individual legs that can be adjusted independently or collectively. Each leg acts as a separate unit with its own adjustment capability, simplifying the overall mechanism by breaking down the complex expansion function into manageable, identical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptable base serves multiple functions: it provides the structural foundation, enables diameter adjustment through leg expansion, and offers attachment points for spacers and fasteners. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in mechanism complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable spacers are added, then versatility for different container configurations is improved, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer system is segmented into removable, interchangeable components that can be added or removed based on specific needs. Each spacer is a discrete unit with standardized features (protrusions and recesses) that simplify assembly while providing diverse configuration options, thereby limiting the impact of increased part count on overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers are designed to nest within the cupholder structure, with protrusions on one spacer engaging recesses on another or on the cupholder section. This nesting arrangement allows multiple spacers to be integrated into a compact configuration, reducing the space and complexity associated with having multiple separate parts.
4Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used for secure attachment, then reliability of attachment is improved, but the assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple fasteners distributed at different locations on the cupholder section. This segmentation allows for incremental attachment and disassembly, where fasteners can be engaged or disengaged in sequence, reducing the time penalty compared to a single complex fastening mechanism while maintaining high reliability through redundant attachment points.
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 system provides enhanced adaptability and stability by securely holding containers of varying sizes and shapes, improving user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The adaptable base has an envelope diameter and a plurality of legs configured to expand and retract whereby the envelope diameter of the adaptable base is configured to expand between a minimum envelope diameter and a maximum envelope diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A cupholder for use with a vehicle has a cupholder section, an adaptable base, a first removable spacer, and a fastener to attach the cupholder section to the adaptable base, wherein the fastener passes through a first hole in the first removable spacer. wherein the first hole is substantially in the center of the first removable spacer. The cupholder section has a plurality of recesses, and the first removable spacer has a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of recesses are configured to engage a first subset of the plurality of protrusions in a first configuration and a second subset of the plurality of protrusions in a second configuration, whereby the cupholder section may be positioned on-center relative to the first removable spacer in the first configuration or off-center relative to the first removable spacer in the second configuration, respectively. A related system is described.