Cup Holder Tray Mount With Rotating Space-Saving Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles face challenges in integrating functional seating accessories due to spatial and weight constraints, as well as the need for durability in varying environments, while maintaining aesthetic and comfort standards, which existing solutions often fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A removably mountable table/tray system that fits within a standard beverage or cup holder, allowing for additional functionality without compromising the cup holder capacity, and can be stored or positioned to minimize obstruction and maximize convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seating assemblies are enlarged to accommodate accessory features like cup holders and tray tables, then functionality is improved, but spatial requirements increase which is problematic in RVs
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is nested within the cup holder recess when not in use, with the tray folding flat against the cup holder structure. This allows the tray table to be stored inside the existing cup holder space, eliminating the need for additional storage area while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds beverages in its primary capacity, and simultaneously houses a foldable tray table that can be deployed from the same structure. This multi-functionality allows one component to fulfill multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fold away tray table structures are used in armrests, then functionality is improved, but upholstery and aesthetic continuity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table and its support structure are upholstered with the same material and finish as the surrounding armrest, creating a seamless aesthetic appearance when the tray is folded away. This local matching of materials and finishes ensures that the functional addition does not disrupt the overall visual continuity of the seating assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed buildings accommodate enhanced seating assemblies with integrated accessories, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing and furnishing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the cup holder structure. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of individual parts using conventional manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing fully integrated custom assemblies.
4Reliability
If RV contents are adapted to withstand frequent motion and environmental variations, then reliability is improved, but weight and structural cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table incorporates a foldable mechanism with hinges and latches that allow it to be deployed and stowed dynamically. This dynamic design enables the tray to be positioned only when needed, reducing the effective weight and spatial footprint during travel, while still providing a sturdy, reliable surface when deployed for use.
Data Source
AI summary
A table/tray is provided which is removably mountable into a standard beverage or cup holder of a seating armrest, and maintains the cup holder capacity of the armrest, while at the same time providing the additional concurrent functionality of a table or tray adjacent to the seating assembly. This table/tray is movable by rotation within the cup holder, or otherwise, to be shifted out of the way of the user's entry/egress motion with respect to the seat assembly. This tray/table is dimensioned and/or foldable so as to be stored under the seating assembly, or closely adjacent thereto in available space, and it can be used at multiple different locations within the vehicle or other structure of use, according to the availability of cup holder recesses to receive it.