Control panel for a multifunctional cup holder and sofa seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reclining sofas lack an integrated control system that allows users to conveniently adjust positions and access power charging while maintaining a comfortable seating experience, especially when combined with a multifunctional cup holder.
Innovation Solution
A control panel with buttons connected to a powered reclining mechanism, a light switch for the cup holder, and a power supply port, integrated into a panel body with a circuit board, allowing users to control sofa positions, lighting, and charge external devices, with a design that accommodates the cup holder's curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a control panel is integrated into the armrest structure, then the overall structure becomes more compact and space-efficient, but the control panel may be obscured or difficult to access when a cup holder is placed on the armrest
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented from the cup holder assembly, allowing the control panel to be positioned in a location that is not obscured by the cup holder. The control panel includes separate components (buttons, circuit board, housing) that can be independently positioned on the armrest surface, ensuring accessibility while maintaining compact integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the cup holder - specifically, the control panel is located at the rear portion of the armrest while the cup holder occupies the front portion. This dimensional separation allows both components to coexist without interfering with each other's accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions (reclining control, lighting control, power charging) are integrated into a single control panel, then device versatility is improved, but the control panel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is designed as a universal control interface that handles multiple functions through a unified structure. The panel includes a power supply port for charging external devices, buttons for controlling the reclining mechanism, and a light switch for the cup holder lighting, all integrated into a single panel assembly that serves as the central control hub for the armrest system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single control panel assembly. The circuit board integrates the electrical connections for the power supply port, buttons, and light switch, consolidating what could have been separate control mechanisms into one unified structure that reduces overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the control panel is positioned separately from the cup holder, then control accessibility is improved, but the overall assembly requires more space on the armrest
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented as a separate component from the cup holder, allowing it to be positioned in the rear portion of the armrest while the cup holder occupies the front portion. This segmentation enables both components to be accessible without requiring excessive armrest surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel housing is designed with a curved side that dynamically adapts to accommodate the circumference of the cup holder. This dynamic design allows the control panel to be positioned separately for accessibility while efficiently utilizing the available armrest space through its contoured shape.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a control panel for a multifunctional cup holder installed on a reclining sofa and a sofa thereof. The control panel includes: a plurality of buttons operatively connected to a powered reclining mechanism of an extendable seat, and the plurality of buttons are configured to control the powered reclining mechanism of the extendable seat to move among different positions; a light switch button operatively connected with a light source, the light source is disposed inside a cupholder that is placed on an armrest on the extendable seat; a power supply port, and the power supply port is configured to provide power to an external electronic device; a panel body including two sides; and a circuit board disposed in the panel body, the circuit board is electronically connected with the plurality of buttons, the light switch and the power supply port.