Vehicular Cupholder Water Dispensing With Condensate Refill Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a vehicular water-dispensing system that can efficiently collect and process atmospheric condensate water into drinking water for passenger vehicles, while ensuring a consistent supply to refillable containers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a water provisioning system that condenses atmospheric water vapor into condensate water, filters it, and stores it for dispensing into refillable vessels, with a monitoring mechanism to maintain predetermined water levels in each vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If atmospheric water vapor is condensed and processed into drinking water, then a sustainable water supply is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (condensation, filtration, storage, and dispensing) into a single integrated cupholder system. The cupholder serves both as a storage container for processed drinking water and as a dispensing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate water carrier and dispenser components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cupholder is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a structural support for the beverage container, a storage reservoir for processed drinking water, and an automated dispensing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If water is stored in anticipation of consumption, then a consistent supply is ensured, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the water storage function within the existing cupholder structure. The cupholder cavity serves as the storage reservoir, and the beverage container itself becomes part of the dispensing mechanism, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static water storage to dynamic dispensing by using the beverage container as a movable dispensing element. The container can be removed and replaced, allowing for automated refilling without requiring permanent storage compartments.
3Ease of operation
If multiple refillable vessels are monitored and maintained, then passenger convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that monitor water levels in the cupholder and provide feedback to the control system. This automatic monitoring triggers refilling operations when water levels drop, eliminating the need for manual checking by passengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic refilling of the beverage container from the processed water storage without requiring passenger intervention. The control system autonomously manages the water dispensing process, making the system self-servicing.
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 system effectively collects and processes atmospheric water into safe drinking water, ensuring a consistent supply to passengers by monitoring and maintaining the water levels in refillable containers, enhancing convenience and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The water provisioning system condenses condensate water from the atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
The water provisioning system processes the condensate water into drinking water
Implementation Method 3
The water dispensing system pumps the stored drinking water into a plurality of refillable drinking vessels
Data Source
AI summary
The water-dispensing system for vehicular cup holder comprises a water provisioning system and a water dispensing system. The current disclosure is configured for use with a vehicle. The current disclosure mounts in the vehicle. The water provisioning system condenses condensate water from the atmosphere. The water provisioning system processes the condensate water into drinking water. The water provisioning system stores the drinking water in anticipation of consumption. The water dispensing system pumps the stored drinking water into a plurality of refillable drinking vessels. The water dispensing system monitors the level of the drinking water in each individual refillable drinking vessel selected from the plurality of refillable drinking vessels. The water dispensing system maintains a predetermined level of drinking water within each individual refillable drinking vessel.