Drink holder assembly with internal lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In poorly lit environments, users face difficulty in locating and positioning beverage containers in drink holders, leading to spills due to the lack of visibility.
Innovation Solution
A drink holder assembly that includes a ring insert with integrated lighting devices, allowing users to see and securely place beverage containers, accommodating different sizes through a support sleeve and padded wafer for noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting is added to the drink holder assembly, then visibility in poorly lit environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is integrated with the ring insert to form a unified component. The ring insert serves dual purposes: providing structural support within the drink holder and serving as the mounting platform for the lighting device. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces overall assembly complexity despite adding lighting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring insert is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the beverage container, serves as a mounting structure for the lighting device, and potentially acts as a visual indicator when illuminated. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and maintains simplicity while adding lighting capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ring insert with support sleeve is added to accommodate different container sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring insert with support sleeve is designed to accommodate multiple container sizes and types through a single universal component. The support sleeve provides adjustable support that adapts to different diameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized holders and reducing overall system complexity despite increasing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support sleeve within the ring insert can be positioned at different heights or configurations to adapt to various container sizes. This dynamic adjustability allows a single component to serve multiple purposes, improving adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-configuration components.
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
Enables secure and easy placement of beverage containers in poorly lit environments, reducing spills and providing a versatile solution for various container sizes while minimizing noise.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lighting device, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), are mounted on the ring insert
Data Source
AI summary
A drink holder assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, the drink holder assembly includes a drink holder, a ring insert, and at least one lighting device. The ring insert is configured to be inserted into the drink holder. The lighting device(s) are mounted to the ring insert. In this manner, the lighting device provides the light needed so that the user can place a beverage container in the drink holder appropriately when in a poorly lit environment.