Integrated Cup Holder Electronic Device Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cup holders do not provide suitable holders for electronic devices, leading to safety and potential damage issues when these devices are loosely held in receivers not dimensioned for them.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder assembly with an integrated electronic device holder, featuring a slot with a raised floor and sidewalls with gaps for easy access and a resilient retainer for secure and shock protection, allowing secure holding of electronic devices without occupying beverage container receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic devices are placed in conventional cup holder receivers, then easy access is achieved, but safety and device protection are compromised due to improper fit
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: beverage container receivers and an integrated electronic device holder with a slot specifically dimensioned for electronic devices. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function - the slot provides proper fit and protection for electronic devices while beverage receivers maintain their original purpose, eliminating the safety issues of improper placement while preserving easy access.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device holder is merged into the cup holder assembly as an integrated component rather than a separate accessory. The holder with slot and retainer is built into the console structure alongside beverage receivers, creating a unified assembly that provides both beverage holding and electronic device securing functions in one location, maintaining convenience while ensuring device safety.
2Device complexity
If electronic devices are held loosely in receivers not dimensioned for them, then no additional structure is needed, but potential damage and safety issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates a resilient retainer element that provides localized cushioning and shock absorption specifically at the contact points with the electronic device. This local quality enhancement protects the device from vibration and impact forces during vehicle operation, addressing the potential damage issue without requiring a complete redesign of the entire holder structure.
3Reliability
If a dedicated electronic device holder is added to the cup holder assembly, then device protection is improved, but the complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder assembly is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both beverage containers and electronic devices within the same structural footprint. The integrated holder with slot and retainer shares the assembly's mounting structure and space management with beverage receivers, providing multi-functionality that protects electronic devices without significantly increasing overall assembly complexity.
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 provides a safe and convenient way to hold electronic devices, enabling easy access and protection against damage, even when used concurrently with beverage containers, by securely and ergonomically integrating an electronic device holder within the cup holder assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient electronic device retainer that imposes a biasing force on an electronic device held therein
Data Source
AI summary
A cup holder assembly includes a door configured for translation between an open and a closed configuration, at least one receiver sidewall, and at least one first cup holder surface provided by a bottom surface of the door and configured to upwardly extend at least a portion of the receiver sidewall when the door is disposed in an open configuration. A retention system for a container is provided, including at least one container biasing member and at least one container supporting member. The container biasing member may be door-mounted or receiver sidewall-mounted.