Vehicle Cup Holder HVAC Gate Assembly for Beverage Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle cup-holders lack a suitable arrangement for controlling the temperature of beverages, leading to temperature changes that make drinks unpalatable, especially when the vehicle is in use during extreme weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled system that includes a housing with an opening fluidically coupled to a vehicle's HVAC vent, featuring a gate assembly that engages or disengages to control the flow of air, allowing for precise temperature regulation within a receptacle, such as a cup-holder, using the vehicle's HVAC system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cup-holder is equipped with cooling and heating capability, then the temperature control function is improved, but the device complexity increases due to lack of suitable control arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gate assembly as an intermediary component between the HVAC vent and the cup-holder. This gate assembly includes a gate that can be positioned in different locations to control air flow, serving as a simple mechanical mediator that enables temperature control without requiring complex electronic control systems. The gate assembly acts as a passive flow control mechanism that bridges the HVAC system and the receptacle.
2Temperature
If cooling and heating capability is added to cup-holders, then the temperature regulation function is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient air flow control
Solution Approach 1:
The gate assembly is designed with a movable gate that can be dynamically positioned to different locations. The gate can be moved to a first location to allow air flow from the HVAC vent to the cup-holder, and to a second location to block or redirect the air flow. This dynamic positioning capability provides simple and intuitive control over the temperature regulation function, improving ease of operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If beverages are left in cup-holders for appreciable length of time, then the cup-holder utility is improved for stationary holding, but the temperature stability deteriorates causing drinks to become unpalatable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous temperature regulation by maintaining a controlled air flow path from the HVAC vent through the gate assembly to the cup-holder. The gate assembly ensures continuous delivery of conditioned air (heated or cooled) to the beverage, maintaining the desired temperature throughout the holding duration. This continuous useful action prevents temperature drift that would otherwise occur during extended holding periods.
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
Maintains the optimal temperature of beverages, keeping them fresh during a vehicle ride by utilizing the existing HVAC system for cooling or heating, thereby preventing drinks from becoming unpalatable due to temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The opening (206) may be configured to be fluidically coupled to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) vent of the vehicle... allowing for precise temperature regulation within a receptacle... utilizing the existing HVAC system for cooling or heating
Implementation Method 2
The gate assembly (214) may include a gate (212) configured to engage or disengage with the opening (206) to fluidically couple or fluidically decouple, respectively, the opening (206) to the HVAC vent
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to controlling temperature inside a receptacle 102 in a vehicle. In an embodiment, a temperature-controlled system for a vehicle is disclosed. The temperature-controlled system may include a receptacle 102 having at least one inlet 104, and a housing 106 fitted to the receptacle 102. The housing 106 may include an opening 108. The opening 108 may be configured to be fluidically coupled to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) vent of the vehicle. The housing 106 may further include an open front face 110 fluidically coupled to the at least one inlet 104 of the receptacle 102, and a gate assembly mounted on the housing 106. The gate assembly 106 may include a gate configured to engage or disengage with the opening 108 to fluidically couple or fluidically decouple, respectively, the opening 108 to the vent.