Cup holder retainer incorporating an integral preloaded retainer clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders for motor vehicles require multiple parts and complex assembly, leading to higher manufacturing costs and potential reliability issues over time.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder retainer with an integrated preloaded retainer clip connected to a support frame via a living hinge and an integral biasing element, formed as a unitary body from acetal homopolymer, which biases the clip into a cup-engaging position, reducing the need for separate springs and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used for the cup holder retainer (separate retainer clip, spring, and support frame), then the device can achieve cup retention function, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retainer clip, biasing element (spring), and support frame into a single unitary body made of resilient material. This merging eliminates the need for separate parts and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the cup retention function through the integrated structure's inherent elasticity and geometry.
2Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used for the cup holder retainer, then the device can achieve cup retention function, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retainer clip, biasing element (spring), and support frame into a single unitary body made of resilient material. This merging eliminates the need for separate parts and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the cup retention function through the integrated structure's inherent elasticity and geometry.
3Force
If separate springs and retainer clips are used, then the device can provide preloaded cup engagement, but assembly complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the biasing element and retainer clip into a single resilient unitary body, eliminating separate spring assembly steps. The preloaded engagement force is achieved through the material's inherent elasticity and the geometry of the integrated structure, reducing assembly complexity to a single molding process.
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 reduces manufacturing costs, enhances reliability, and ensures long-term performance by integrating the retainer clip and biasing element into a single, resilient unit, providing secure cup retention with reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a preloaded retainer clip (14) connected to the support frame by a living hinge (20)
Implementation Method 2
an integral biasing element (22) that biases the preloaded retainer clip (14) into a cup-engaging position
Data Source
AI summary
A cup holder retainer is provided. The cup holder retainer includes a support frame and a preloaded retainer clip. The preloaded retainer clip is connected to the support frame by a living hinge and an integral biasing element that biases the preloaded retainer clip into a cup-engaging position.