Cup Holder Emergency Call Device with Base Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Emergency call devices for vehicles face challenges in being space-efficient and easily accessible within modern vehicle cockpits, often requiring large installation spaces and relying on external smartphones for functionality, which is not universally available.

Innovation Solution

An emergency call device with a base plate mounted in a cup holder and an attachable emergency call unit, featuring locking elements for secure positioning, a manual actuation button, and integrated GPS and microphone for independent operation, ensuring functionality even without sensor detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the emergency call device includes a manual button for sending emergency calls, then the functionality is improved, but the installation space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency call functionalityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency call device is nested within the cup holder structure, utilizing the existing space in the vehicle interior. The base plate integrates with the cup holder geometry, allowing the device to occupy minimal space while maintaining full functionality including the manual button.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional configuration that utilizes vertical space within the cup holder. The base plate extends downward into the cup holder cavity, allowing components to be arranged in multiple dimensions rather than competing for horizontal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the emergency call device is integrated into the cup holder, then the space efficiency is improved, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modular components: a base plate for cup holder installation and an emergency call unit that can be attached later. This segmentation allows the base plate to be installed independently using simple mounting methods, while the emergency call unit can be installed separately, reducing overall installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting mechanism uses adjustable parameters such as screw hole positions and attachment point configurations that can be adapted to different cup holder geometries. This flexibility allows the same base plate design to be installed in various vehicle models without requiring custom tooling or complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of repair

If the emergency call unit is detachably attached to the base plate, then the ease of repair is improved, but the connection reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent accessibilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface between the emergency call unit and base plate uses rounded, curved surfaces that provide natural alignment and secure engagement. The curved geometry of the attachment points ensures that the components self-align during assembly, reducing the risk of improper connection while maintaining ease of detachment for repair purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3293716B1Emergency call device for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 BURY
  • EP3293716B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3293716B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3293716B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an emergency call device (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the emergency call device (1) is designed to be mounted in a cup holder (52) of the motor vehicle and to be connected to a power supply of the motor vehicle, through which the emergency call unit (4) can be supplied with electrical energy.