Vehicle Cup Holder Temperature Indication With Color Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders in vehicles using thermoelectric elements are difficult to determine whether they are cooling or heating, posing a risk of accidents and injuries due to user carelessness, such as burn injuries, and lack an effective way to manage energy efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder with a thermoelectric element, internal blower, temperature sensor, and illuminant that changes color based on temperature measurements, allowing users to determine the temperature from outside and preventing accidents by indicating temperature through color changes, while optimizing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a thermoelectric element is used to cool or heat the cup holder, then the cup holder can be installed in a compact space, but it is difficult to identify whether the cup holder is currently being cooled or heated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing illumination to indicate the temperature status of the cup holder. The illuminant changes color based on the current state (cooling, heating, or ambient temperature), providing visual feedback to users about the operational status without requiring additional display components that would increase the cup holder's volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thermoelectric element is used to cool or heat the cup holder, then the cup holder can provide temperature control, but it has the risk of causing accidents and injuries attributable to user carelessness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded illumination to indicate temperature status: blue light indicates cold temperature, red light indicates hot temperature, and green light indicates ambient temperature. This visual warning system alerts users to the current temperature state, preventing accidental contact with hot or cold surfaces and reducing the risk of burn injuries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the cup holder's temperature and the control unit adjusts the illumination color accordingly. This real-time feedback informs users about the current temperature state, enabling them to make safe decisions about interacting with the cup holder.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thermoelectric element is used to cool or heat the cup holder, then the cup holder can maintain beverage temperature, but it lacks effective energy management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by controlling the thermoelectric element to operate only when temperature adjustment is needed. The control unit monitors temperature continuously and activates the thermoelectric element in periodic cycles rather than continuous operation, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic temperature regulation. The temperature sensor continuously monitors the cup holder's temperature and the control unit automatically activates the thermoelectric element when temperature deviation is detected, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and optimizing energy usage based on actual temperature needs.
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 solution enables users to safely determine the cup holder's temperature, preventing accidents and enhancing energy management by indicating temperature through color changes, ensuring the beverage remains at an appropriate temperature and extending the durability of the thermoelectric element.
Implementation Method 1
a holder body configured to accommodate a cup, provided with a thermoelectric element that cools or heats the cup
Implementation Method 2
provided with an internal blower that is disposed in the inner space of the double sidewall structure and circulates air around the cup
Implementation Method 3
provided with an illuminant that is capable of expressing a plurality of colors and radiates light onto the cup
Implementation Method 4
a temperature sensor provided on the holder body, and configured to measure temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A cup holder for a vehicle includes a holder body, a support unit, a temperature sensor, and a control unit. The holder body is configured to accommodate a cup, is provided with a thermoelectric element, is formed in a double sidewall structure, and is provided with an internal blower that is disposed in the inner space of the double sidewall structure. The support unit is configured such that the front portion thereof protrudes from the inner side of the holder body and supports a side of the cup, and is provided with an illuminant that is capable of expressing a plurality of colors and radiates light onto the cup. The temperature sensor is provided on the holder body, and measures temperature. The control unit changes the color of the illuminant of the support unit based on the measured temperature.