Beverage tray and retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tables are not easily transportable and fail to securely hold glasses and other containers for liquids, especially in recreation or marine vehicles where movement can cause them to fall or slide.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating flexible retainers into trays and tables that apply gripping friction to hold containers, along with locking mechanisms and side rails to prevent movement, allowing for secure transportation and use in vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tables are made permanently installed with cup holders, then containers can be held securely, but the tables are not easily transportable
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the table and tray into separate, portable components. The tray is a detachable unit that can be removed from the table, allowing the table to be moved easily while the tray with containers can be transported separately or secured independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates a flexible component that dynamically adapts to hold containers securely. The flexible retainer can deform to accommodate different container sizes and shapes, providing reliable holding without requiring a permanent rigid structure.
2Reliability
If traditional cup holders are used, then containers can be held, but they fail to securely hold glasses during movement or rocking in vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer uses a flexible component that can deform and conform to the container shape. This flexibility allows the retainer to maintain secure contact with the container during movement, rocking, or vibration, providing reliable holding without complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer's physical parameters (shape, position) can change dynamically in response to container insertion and movement forces. The flexible material allows the retainer to adjust its configuration to maintain optimal holding contact under varying conditions.
3Ease of operation
If trays are made portable for easy transportation, then mobility is improved, but containers may fall out or off during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible retainer dynamically adjusts to container movements and external forces during tray transportation. It can deform to maintain contact with the container, preventing it from falling out even when the tray is moved or subjected to vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed to preemptively counteract forces that might cause the container to fall. The flexible structure anticipates movement forces and maintains continuous contact pressure on the container, preventing displacement before it occurs.
4Reliability
If locking mechanisms and side rails are added to secure trays to tables, then tray stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into simple, modular components: side rails that extend from the tray and a locking mechanism that engages with the table. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function with simple geometry, reducing overall complexity while maintaining stability.
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 easy transportation of trays without containers falling, and secure holding of both containers and trays on tables during movement or rocking, minimizing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The flexing of the retainer also applies a gripping friction force to securely hold the glass or other container
Implementation Method 2
The tray may also include side rails that extend over, and optionally frictionally engage, a side of the table to minimize movement of the tray with respect to the table
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention broadly relates to trays, tables, and storage compartments capable of securely holding glasses and other containers for beverages and other liquids. For example, the trays, tables, and storage compartments may include a retainer portion with a retainer that is adapted to flex to receive a portion of a glass or other container for a beverage or other liquid. The flexing of the retainer also applies a gripping friction force to securely hold the glass or other container.