Dashboard Cup Holder Lid Blocks Side Mirror Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle dashboard cup holders expose the entire top portion of beverage containers, causing reflections in the side mirror that can obstruct the driver's line of sight, especially when the container's color differs from the dashboard, leading to potential distraction.
Innovation Solution
A dashboard accommodation unit with a lid that can be positioned between the side mirror and the beverage container, allowing the lid to stand up in an open position and match the color of the dashboard, thereby blocking the reflection of the container in the side mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the beverage container is exposed in the container holder, then the driver can easily access and identify the container, but the container may be reflected in the side mirror and obstruct the driver's line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
A lid is introduced as an intermediary element between the beverage container and the side mirror. The lid can be opened to allow access to the container while closed to prevent reflections from reaching the side mirror, thus mediating between accessibility and reflection prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing the system to dynamically adapt between two states: accessible (open) and reflection-free (closed), rather than being fixed in one configuration
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid is added to the container holder, then reflections are blocked from the side mirror, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cover for the container, a barrier to prevent reflections, and potentially an insulator for temperature retention. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single component
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed with a color that matches the dashboard interior, making it visually blend with the surrounding environment when closed. This aesthetic consideration reduces the perceived complexity by making the additional component harmonious with the existing design
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid is positioned to block the side mirror view, then the reflection is prevented, but the airflow path for heating/cooling the container may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The lid design segments the airflow path by incorporating openings or gaps that allow air to pass through while maintaining the reflection-blocking function. This segmentation enables both functions to coexist by dividing the lid into regions with different properties
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the lid have different properties: the main body blocks reflections while specific areas (openings, gaps, or transparent sections) allow airflow. This local differentiation enables the lid to simultaneously prevent reflections and maintain thermal airflow
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
Prevents the beverage container from being reflected in the side mirror, reducing driver distraction and maintaining a clear line of sight, while also ensuring effective airflow for heating or cooling the container.
Implementation Method 1
the entire periphery of the top portion of the beverage container, for example a can or a paper cup, held in the container holder is exposed. Therefore, when a driver seated in a driver's seat views a side mirror adjacent to passenger's seat, the aforementioned exposed portion of the beverage container may be reflected in a door window and obstruct a line of sight of the driver and be reflected in the side mirror
Implementation Method 2
a portion of heated and/or cooled air flowing through an airflow path of the vehicle heating ventilation and air conditioning system ('HVAC') provided in the interior of the dashboard is directed to flow in the container holder, either to cool or heat the beverage container
Data Source
AI summary
A dashboard of a vehicle includes an accommodation unit provided at a longitudinal end of the dashboard and positioned adjacent to a door and a side mirror located outside the door adjacent to the accommodation unit, the accommodation unit configured to receive an article, and the accommodation unit including a lid, wherein the lid is configured to stand up adjacent to the side mirror when in an open position.