Convertible Cup Holder With Hinged Folding and Anti-Slip Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders fail to provide a convertible, easy-to-use, and efficiently secureable solution for holding beverages during travel, particularly on airplane trays.
Innovation Solution
A convertible cup holder with a first and second unit connected by a hinge, featuring a suction or anti-slip material for secure attachment to surfaces, allowing folding or rotating positions, and openings for receiving beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cup holder is designed to be convertible and foldable for easy transport, then its adaptability and portability are improved, but its structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is divided into two separate units (first unit and second unit) that can be independently folded or rotated relative to each other via a hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows the cup holder to transition between different configurations (open and closed positions) while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection enables dynamic reconfiguration of the cup holder, allowing the second unit to fold or rotate from a first position to a second position relative to the first unit. This dynamic capability provides convertibility and adaptability without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple components.
2Reliability
If suction or anti-slip material is added to secure the cup holder to a surface, then its stability is improved, but its weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
A suction or anti-slip material layer is applied to the bottom surface of the cup holder units. This thin film material provides effective adhesion to secure the cup holder to surfaces like airplane trays without adding significant weight, as it utilizes surface adhesion rather than heavy mechanical anchoring systems.
3Ease of operation
If the cup holder is designed with multiple units connected by a hinge for folding capability, then its ease of transport is improved, but the difficulty of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism allows the second unit to freely fold or rotate relative to the first unit without requiring complex locking or unlocking procedures. This dynamic connection simplifies operation during transport while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism merges the functionality of both units into a single integrated structure that can operate independently or together. This combining approach allows the cup holder to function as a unified device while maintaining the flexibility of individual unit movement.
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 cup holder is convertible, lightweight, easily securable, and adaptable to different orientations, providing stable beverage holding and transportability.
Implementation Method 1
A suction or 'anti-slip' material is located on the bottom of at least one or both of the units to secure the cup holder to a surface
Implementation Method 2
A suction or 'anti-slip' material is located on the bottom of at least one or both of the units to secure the cup holder to a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible cup holder is provided. The convertible cup holder is especially suitable for use while traveling, such as on an airplane tray. The convertible cup holder may have a first unit and a second unit connected by a hinge wherein the second unit may fold or rotate from a first position to a second position with respect to the first unit. A suction or “anti-slip” material is located on the bottom of at least one or both of the units to secure the cup holder to a surface. An opening in the first and or second unit may receive cup having a beverage.