Vehicle Cup Holder Absorbent Panel for Spill Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders in vehicles are inadequate in preventing spills and accidents, as they do not effectively absorb liquids when cups are knocked over, which can lead to spills and distractions for drivers.
Innovation Solution
A flexible absorbent panel is positioned around the cup receiver in a vehicle's drink-holder assembly to absorb any inadvertently spilled liquids, providing a void to receive the drink container and using a support assembly to securely position the panel proximate to the cup receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cup holder is used in a vehicle, then the drink container can be held in position, but spilled liquids cannot be absorbed leading to accidents and driver distractions
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible absorbent panel is introduced as an intermediary component between the cup receiver and the vehicle interior. The panel includes absorbent material that actively absorbs spilled liquids, preventing them from reaching the vehicle interior and eliminating the harmful effect of liquid spillage while maintaining cup holder functionality.
2Reliability
If a flexible absorbent panel is added to the cup holder, then liquid absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent panel is constructed as a flexible thin structure that can be positioned within the cup receiver. The flexibility allows the panel to conform to the cup holder geometry and cup movements, providing liquid absorption functionality without requiring complex rigid structures or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel incorporates absorbent material with porous structure that enables liquid absorption through capillary action. This material-based solution provides effective liquid absorption without requiring mechanical pumping or complex fluid management systems, thereby maintaining structural simplicity.
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 flexible absorbent panel effectively absorbs spilled liquids, reducing the risk of accidents and distractions by containing spills within the cup holder, enhancing safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible absorbent panel is configured to absorb the liquid once the flexible absorbent panel is positioned proximate to the drink container, and the liquid is inadvertently spilled from the drink container.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a flexible absorbent panel configured to surround, at least in part, a drink container. The drink container is configured to receive a liquid therein. The flexible absorbent panel is also configured to surround, at least in part, the drink container. The flexible absorbent panel is also configured to absorb, at least in part, the liquid once the flexible absorbent panel is positioned, at least in part, proximate to the drink container, and the liquid is inadvertently spilled from the drink container.