Ambient-Light Cup Holder Illumination for Low-Visibility Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seating arrangements in vehicles, aircraft, boats, and theaters often lack easily locatable cup holders in dark or low-visibility conditions, leading to spills, distractions, and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A lighted cup holder is integrated into seating arrangements, featuring a light-producing source within the cup holder body that automatically illuminates during reduced visibility, using a light-sensitive element to control lighting and prevent distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cup holders are integrated into seating arrangements, then ease of access is improved, but visibility in dark conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies light-emitting elements that change the visual appearance of the cup holder by emitting light in dark conditions. The lighted element changes color or brightness based on ambient light levels, making the cup holder visible when needed without requiring constant illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic lighting control where the lighted element automatically adjusts its operation based on ambient light conditions detected by a light-sensitive element. The system transitions between active illumination in dark conditions and inactive state in bright conditions, adapting to environmental changes.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are added to cup holders, then visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a light-sensitive element that automatically detects ambient light levels and controls the lighted element without user intervention. The system self-regulates by turning the light on in dark conditions and off in bright conditions, eliminating the need for manual switches or complex control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the light-sensitive element continuously monitors ambient light conditions and provides feedback to control the lighted element's operation. This closed-loop control simplifies the system by using natural light detection rather than complex timing or manual control systems.
3Ease of operation
If automatic light control is implemented, then ease of use is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or conditional lighting action where the lighted element operates only during dark conditions when visibility is needed. The light-sensitive element triggers illumination only when ambient light falls below a certain threshold, avoiding continuous energy consumption while maintaining ease of use.
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
Facilitates easy location and use of cup holders in dark conditions, reducing spills and distractions, while maintaining a non-obtrusive and unobtrusive design suitable for existing seating arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a light-sensitive element operatively connected to the light source for selectively controlling the light source, such that the light source does not produce light when the light-sensitive element detects ambient light of a selected intensity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus include attaching a lighted cup holder to a seating arrangement. The lighted cup holder includes a cup holder body and a light-producing light source, with the cup holder body being attached to the seating arrangement and having a cup receptacle therein, the light-producing source being disposed within the cup receptacle for illuminating the receptacle. A light-sensitive element operatively connected to the light source selectively controls production of light by the light source in such a manner that illumination of the cup holder is provided only under conditions where visibility is reduced to the point that it becomes difficult to locate the cup holder. The light-sensitive element is mounted on a master lighted cup holder and controls illumination of the master lighted cup holder and one or more slave lighted cup holders operatively connected to the master lighted cup holder.