Articulating Cup Holder Phone Mount That Preserves Drink Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle mobile device holders often interfere with the functionality of beverage container recesses in center consoles, preventing the use of beverage containers and compromising the design of the console.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle mobile device holder assembly with a base that fits within the beverage container recess, featuring articulating sections and a mobile device retaining section, allowing for the secure placement of both a beverage container and a mobile device while maintaining the console's functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mobile device holder occupies the entire beverage container recess, then the mobile device is securely retained, but the beverage container cannot be inserted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile device retention securityVSAvoidbeverage container insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder assembly is segmented into a base portion that fits within the beverage container recess and an articulating section with a retaining section. The base provides a footprint within the recess that preserves beverage container access while the articulating section extends upward to securely hold the mobile device, thus maintaining both reliability of mobile device retention and ease of beverage container insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder assembly utilizes the vertical dimension by extending the articulating section upward from the base that sits within the recess. This dimensional approach allows the mobile device to be retained in the vertical space above the recess without occupying the horizontal space needed for beverage container insertion, resolving the contradiction between retention security and insertion ease.

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

2Reliability

If a traditional mobile device holder is used, then the mobile device is held securely, but the design and functionality of the center console is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile device holding securityVSAvoidcenter console design integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device holder assembly is nested within the existing beverage container recess structure of the center console. The base fits within the recess and the articulating section extends upward, utilizing the existing console architecture without requiring modifications or additions that would compromise the console's design integrity, while still providing secure mobile device holding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The base of the holder assembly serves multiple functions: it provides a stable foundation within the beverage container recess, preserves beverage container reception capability, and supports the articulating section for mobile device holding. This multi-functionality allows the assembly to maintain center console design integrity while providing reliable mobile device holding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11780374B2Vehicle mobile device holder assembly
Publication Date: 2023.10.10 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA INC
  • US11780374B2 patent drawing
  • US11780374B2 patent drawing
  • US11780374B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle mobile device holder assembly includes a base, a first articulating section and a second articulating section. The base is shaped and dimensioned to fit within a beverage container recess of a center console of a passenger vehicle. The base has an open central area dimension and shaped to receive a beverage container. The base further includes an attachment portion. The first articulating section is attached to attachment portion of the base. The second articulating section is attached to the first articulating section and has a mobile device retaining section.