Cupholder With Integrated Heating Sidewall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle cupholders do not provide temperature control for beverage containers, limiting the comfort and convenience of passengers by not maintaining beverages at desired temperatures during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electronic heating unit within the cupholder, powered by the vehicle's electrical system, which includes a heat source and a control system to maintain beverages at a desired temperature, allowing passengers to keep drinks warm or cold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cupholder structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the temperature control function is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating unit with the cupholder structure by integrating the heat source into the cupholder's sidewall. The electrical connector is embedded within the cupholder assembly, merging the heating function and electrical connection into a single integrated unit that attaches to the console, thereby adding temperature control while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cupholder is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the beverage container, incorporates a heat source for temperature control, and includes an electrical connector for power supply. This multi-functionality allows the single structure to deliver both holding and heating capabilities.
2Temperature
If heating function is added to cupholder, then the beverage temperature control is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be independently manufactured and then attached to the cupholder. The electrical connector is provided separately and connected to the heat source, allowing each component to be produced using standard manufacturing processes before final assembly, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while adding temperature control functionality.
3Reliability
If electrical connector is integrated into cupholder, then the power supply connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is integrated directly into the cupholder assembly, merging the electrical connection function with the mechanical holding structure. This integration ensures reliable power supply connection while maintaining a compact, unified design that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
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 ensures that beverages are kept at a desired temperature, enhancing passenger comfort and convenience by providing a functional and accessible means to maintain drink temperature during vehicle use.
Implementation Method 1
The sidewall includes a heat source for providing heat to the cupholder
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle holding unit includes a cupholder and an electronic heating unit. The cupholder has a sidewall defining a cup receiving area. The sidewall includes a heat source for providing heat to the cupholder. The electronic heating unit is integrated with the sidewall. The electronic heating unit has an electrical connector configured to be electrically connected to another electrical connector of a vehicle center console to draw electrical power from the another electrical connector to power the heat source.