Spring-Biased Cup Holder Retainer with Adhesive Flap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders in vehicles, particularly in lower-end models and non-center console positions, are ineffective in securely retaining containers due to lack of advanced retention systems, and existing solutions do not offer suitable upgrades for improved security.
Innovation Solution
A spring-biased retention element with orthogonal tab and support members, coupled with an adhesive component, is designed to be affixed to the interior of cup holders, using a flap mechanism to maintain contact with containers and prevent movement through tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple cup holder opening with minimal neoprene rubber is used, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the container retention capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into separate functional components: a retention element with support members and tab members, a spring component, and a flap member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention element incorporates a spring that provides dynamic, adaptive retention force. The spring allows the retention element to flex and adjust to different container sizes and insertion forces, improving reliability without requiring a complex rigid structure.
2Reliability
If advanced retention systems are installed in existing cup holders, then container security is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive member is pre-applied to the interior surface of the cup holder, and the retention element is pre-assembled with the spring and flap members. This preliminary preparation simplifies the installation process, allowing the entire retention system to be installed as a single unit without requiring complex assembly steps during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive member serves as an intermediary that simplifies the connection between the retention element and the cup holder interior surface. This intermediary component enables easy installation without requiring mechanical fastening systems or complex bonding procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a spring-biased retention element with flap mechanism is used, then container stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap member is designed as a thin, flexible component that can easily conform to the container surface and provide stable retention. This flexible film approach achieves container stability without requiring a complex rigid mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring component allows the retention element to change its physical parameters (position, force applied) dynamically in response to container insertion and removal. This parameter change capability provides stable container retention while keeping the mechanism simple and responsive.
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 effectively secures containers within cup holders by providing additional frictional forces, ensuring they remain stable and in place, addressing the insecurity issues of existing cup holder systems.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive member can be coupled to the rear side of a frame to allow the device to be affixed to the interior side wall of a container holder
Implementation Method 2
a flap is pushed down and maintains contact with the side of a container while held in place with the tension produced by a spring-biased retention element
Implementation Method 3
The solution effectively secures containers within cup holders by providing additional frictional forces, ensuring they remain stable and in place
Data Source
AI summary
A cup holder insert having a retainer housing having front and rear surfaces which define an opening bounded by the perimeter of said retainer housing and a spring-biased retention element, further comprising at least one support section and at least one tab section extending substantially orthogonal to each other. The at least one support section is coupled with the retainer housing with tab extending from the opening substantially perpendicularly to said front surface of the retainer housing. In some embodiments, a flap can selectively cover the tab section.