Vehicle Cup Holder Support Member for Stable Multi-Size Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cup holders in vehicles often fail to securely stabilize cups or bottles of varying sizes, especially during vehicle maneuvers, due to inadequate support mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates resiliently deformable support members with a convex lower portion and a concave or convex upper portion, providing improved retention and stability by allowing for flexible accommodation of different container sizes and shapes, and securing them effectively within the holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cup holder designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the retention and stability of cups or bottles of varying sizes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple distinct portions: a lower portion with a convex surface and an upper portion with a concave surface. This segmentation allows each portion to perform a specific function - the lower convex portion provides initial contact and support, while the upper concave portion provides enhanced retention for the cup or bottle, thereby improving overall stability without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support member are given different geometric qualities - the lower portion has a convex surface while the upper portion has a concave surface. This local variation in geometry allows the support member to adapt to different container sizes and shapes at different locations, improving retention reliability while maintaining a single integrated structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spring biased fingers are used, then retention of varying sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to be resiliently deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different cup or bottle sizes and shapes. This dynamic capability enables the single support member to accommodate varying dimensions without requiring multiple adjustable components or spring mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member's physical parameters (shape, curvature) are optimized with specific geometric features - a lower convex portion and an upper concave portion with different radii of curvature. These parameter changes allow the support member to effectively retain containers of varying sizes through its deformable nature, eliminating the need for spring biased mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If a one piece mold design with resilient support members is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the stability during vehicle maneuvers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Within the one-piece molded structure, the support member is segmented into functionally distinct portions - a lower convex portion and an upper concave portion. This internal segmentation provides enhanced stability during vehicle maneuvers by creating multiple contact points and retention zones, while the entire support member remains integrally formed for manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member incorporates curved surfaces with different radii of curvature - a convex lower portion and a concave upper portion. These curved geometries provide superior contact and retention for cylindrical containers during acceleration, deceleration, and cornering, enhancing stability while maintaining the simplicity of injection molding manufacturing.
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
This design enhances the retention and stability of articles, such as cups or bottles, in vehicle interiors, ensuring they remain secure during vehicle operations, including high-speed cornering, thus creating a safer environment for occupants.
Implementation Method 1
The support member is resiliently deformable and has a convex lower portion and a concave upper portion
Data Source
AI summary
A holder for receiving and supporting an article includes a sidewall defining a cavity for receiving the article. At least one resiliently deformable support member is attached to the sidewall. The support member has a surface inwardly extending into said cavity. The surface is operable to support the article. The support member includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion defines a convex surface and the upper surface defines one of a concave surface and a convex surface having a larger radius of curvature than the lower portion.