Vehicle Cupholder Mask Structure for Easy Arm Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle cupholders are not easy to operate and lack a visually appealing design, as they often require manual operation and do not provide sufficient access for the holding arm to deploy fully.
Innovation Solution
A multipartite mask arrangement is integrated into the cupholder, allowing independent movement of masks to open and close the housing opening, enabling easy deployment and retraction of the holding arm, with a coupling system that simplifies operation and maintains a visually attractive appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single mask is used to close the housing opening, then the structure is simple, but the holding arm cannot be fully deployed and the appearance is not visually attractive
Solution Approach 1:
The mask arrangement is divided into multiple masks (first mask and second mask) that can move independently. The first mask is coupled to the holding arm and moves with it, while the second mask is fixed to the housing. This segmentation allows the housing opening to be completely freed for holding arm deployment while maintaining visual attractiveness through partial closure by the fixed second mask.
2Ease of operation
If the housing opening is completely opened for holding arm deployment, then the holding arm can be fully deployed, but the appearance becomes less visually attractive
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the mask arrangement have different functions: the first mask provides full access for holding arm deployment by moving completely away, while the second mask maintains visual attractiveness by remaining fixed and partially closing the housing opening. This local differentiation of mask functions resolves the contradiction between operational access and aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is required for mask movement, then the structure is simple, but the holder is not easy to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system merges the movement control of both masks into a single operational action. When the holding arm is deployed, it automatically triggers both masks to move through the coupling mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and simplifying user interaction despite the added mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A holder for a food or beverage container includes a housing having an opening, a holding arm having a retracted position, and a multipartite mask arrangement associated with the housing opening. The multipartite mask arrangement includes a plurality of masks mounted for movement on the housing, and the masks are movable independently of one another from an open position uncovering the housing opening to a closed position closing the housing opening. The holding arm includes a receiver for the container and is received in the housing in the retracted position. The mask arrangement closes the housing opening when the holding arm is at the retracted position, and at least partially uncovers the housing opening for a deployment of the holding arm.