Deployable Purse Hook in Cup Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Motor vehicles lack a practical and aesthetically pleasing way to hold purses or parcels due to limited space and interior styling constraints, which makes it difficult to incorporate a hook without compromising the vehicle's appearance.

Innovation Solution

A combined cup holder and deployable hook apparatus that integrates a hook into the vehicle's design, allowing it to be stowed when not in use and easily deployed to hold items like purses or parcels, using a hinge and latch mechanism to minimize disruption and maintain aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hook is incorporated into the vehicle interior to hold purses or parcels, then the functionality for holding items is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to extraneous cutlines and disruption to interior styling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality for holding itemsVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The hook is designed to be movable between a deployed position (protruding from the cup holder) and a retracted position (flush with the cup holder surface). This dynamic configuration allows the hook to provide functionality when needed while maintaining aesthetic appearance when not in use, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hook is added to the vehicle interior, then the utility for storing purses and parcels is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and cutlines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutility for storing itemsVSAvoidnumber of components and cutlines

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hook is integrated into the cup holder structure, combining two functions (holding cups and holding purses/parcels) into a single device. This merging reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate hooks and reducing the number of cutlines required in the interior panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook is nested within the cup holder structure, with the hook mechanism housed inside or alongside the cup holder components. This nesting approach minimizes the space required and reduces the number of external components visible in the interior, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If limited space on the instrument panel and center console is utilized for a hook, then the accessibility for drivers is improved, but the available space for other features is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for driversVSAvoidavailable space on instrument panel and center console

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cup holder is designed to serve multiple functions: holding cups and beverages, and holding purses or parcels via the deployable hook. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated spaces for different purposes, maximizing the utilization of limited space on the instrument panel and center console while maintaining driver accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10246028B1Cup holder with integrated, deployable purse and parcel hook

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

An apparatus is provided capable of holding one or more drink cups and a purse, pocketbook or like parcel. The apparatus includes a body having a first cup well and a second cup well. A hook is carried on the body. The hook is displaceable between a home position, wherein the hook is aesthetically integrated into the body, and a deployed position wherein the hook is available for holding the purse, parcel or pocketbook.